Published: November 4, 2025
YARPAH TOWN, River Cess County – The protest in Nyorwein District entered its third day Monday with rising tension and a dramatic standoff between citizens and local government officials, as demonstrators refused to engage in talks with the River Cess County administration in the absence of Superintendent Byron Zahnwea.
The protesters—mostly elders, youth, and students—say they are seeking answers about alleged mismanagement of plank toll funds, as well as conflicting figures in the county’s proposed 2025 budget.
The protesters—mostly elders, youth, and students—say they are seeking answers about alleged mismanagement of plank toll funds: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
When County Finance Officer Mogor Peters, Cestos City Mayor Mark Morton, and County Administrative Officer Dennis Seboe arrived in Yarpah Town Monday morning to dialogue with the group, they were met with chants demanding the presence of Superintendent Zahnwea himself.
“We don’t want to talk to middlemen,” declared Jerome Garmonblo Reeves, a former Plank Committee Chairman and one of the protest leaders. “The superintendent must face the people. He’s the one responsible for these financial irregularities, and we need answers directly from him.”
Jerome Garmonblo Reeves, a former Plank Committee Chairman and one of the protest leaders: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
According to eyewitnesses, the meeting quickly broke down as tensions escalated. In the ensuing confusion, Elijah Sammie, Secretary of the Plank Committee, was allegedly manhandled by some members of the crowd. The officials later withdrew from the area under heavy protest.
The ongoing demonstration has effectively forced the Plank Toll Committee—the body responsible for collecting revenue from those making planks business in the county—to suspend its work.
The ongoing demonstration has effectively forced the Plank Toll Committee—the body responsible for collecting revenue from those making planks business in the county—to suspend its work: Photo By Eric Opa Doue
At the center of the controversy are three different budget figures for the same infrastructure project — the Yarpah Town–One House Road, a key feeder road linking major farming communities. Protesters say one document allocates US$146,000, another US$143,000, and a third just US$43,000 for the same project.
“How can one project carry three different price tags?” Reeves questioned. “We see bad motives in this. Someone has to be held accountable.”
The Liberian Investigator has reviewed copies of the draft (budgets and resolution) documents containing the conflicting figures. When contacted, Karr Kollors Jr., Chairperson of the River Cess County Council, confirmed the discrepancies and said the council will summon the superintendent and other local leaders on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to provide an explanation.
“Yes, the figures are different,” Kollors admitted. “We’re aware of the inconsistencies and will meet with the superintendent and finance team to clarify the issue.”
Beyond the budget discrepancies, protesters are also angered by what they describe as misplaced priorities in the proposed county budget, which allocates US$25,000 for sports development while roads across the county remain impassable.
“The people of River Cess need roads, not football tournaments,” said Alexander Gbedia, another protest leader. “The money should go where the people feel the pain.”
John Wheh, a youth leader involved in the protest, said the group will maintain a peaceful stance but will not end the demonstration until the superintendent responds directly to their demands.
“We are peaceful, but we’re firm,” Wheh told our reporter. “Until there’s accountability, the protest will continue.”
Finance Officer Peters, in a brief interview, confirmed his attempt to engage the group but said they refused to meet without the superintendent.
“We went there to talk, but they made it clear they only want the superintendent,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but we respect their position.”
The once-busy toll station is shuttered and quiet: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
The protesters have warned that if their concerns are ignored, they will expand the demonstrations to other districts in River Cess and continue until President Joseph N. Boakai orders a full-scale investigation into Superintendent Zahnwea’s administration.
For now, Yarpah Town remains tense but calm. The once-busy toll station is shuttered and quiet. On the roadside, small clusters of residents linger, their placards resting against wooden stalls, waiting for the superintendent to show up and answer the questions they say have been ignored for far too long.
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