Published: October 27, 2025
GBARNGA, Bong County — The Bong County Administration has expressed frustration over the national government’s continued delay in reimbursing the county more than US$5.1 million, which local officials say is crucial for addressing key development challenges.
The disclosure was made by County Finance Officer Silas Tokpa during an interview with journalists in Gbarnga. Tokpa explained that the funds in question were social development contributions paid by concession companies — including ArcelorMittal, China Union, and MNG Gold — between 2021 and 2024, when the county’s account was under a moratorium.
“The county has receivables of US$5.1 million that the government owes Bong,” Tokpa said. “These funds include social development money that should have gone directly to the county for community projects.”
He added that the county has documented evidence confirming that the government is indebted to Bong, and noted that the ruling Unity Party administration has acknowledged the debt and committed to settling it. Tokpa said the county administration has repeatedly engaged the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to recover the funds so it can complete stalled projects and revive local development initiatives.
Background of the Dispute
In August 2021, the House of Representatives voted to place a moratorium on Bong County’s account following a recommendation from District #3 Representative Marvin Cole, who cited alleged mismanagement of more than US$80,000 from the county’s coffers.
As a result, payments made by concession companies during that period were deposited into national government accounts rather than the county’s. Local leaders argue that those funds rightfully belong to Bong County and must be refunded. Tokpa said the administration is currently reviewing additional records to determine the total amount of payments made by concession companies to the central government while the moratorium was in place.
Leaders Call for Urgent Reimbursement During a recent appearance on Super Bongese Radio, Bong County Superintendent Hawa Norris confirmed that the government owes the county the stated amount but has delayed refunding it. Similarly, County Council Chairperson Aaron Sackie-Fenlah lamented that Bong continues to face serious funding shortages, which he said have hindered the county’s ability to carry out development projects.
“If the government releases the funds owed to Bong, the county could make significant progress in road construction, education, and health care,” Sackie-Fenlah said.
The county’s leadership has vowed to sustain pressure on the national government until the full amount is reimbursed, stressing that the delay continues to undermine local governance and public trust. As of now, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has not publicly responded to the county’s claims.
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