Published: June 9, 2025
GBARNGA, Bong County — Scores of disgruntled Unity Party partisans staged a protest Monday at the Gbarnga Administration Building, calling for the immediate resignation of Bong County Superintendent Hawa Norris.
Wearing Unity Party campaign shirts and chanting slogans, the demonstrators—mostly youths—gathered at the building’s entrance, waving placards that read, “The Superintendent Must Go.”
The protesters accused Superintendent Norris of marginalizing dedicated Unity Party supporters by appointing opposition figures to key county positions. They described the move as a betrayal of grassroots campaigners who helped secure the party’s victory in the 2023 general elections.
“We demand the immediate removal of Madam Hawa Norris from her position as superintendent,” one protester said. “Her actions are damaging to the Unity Party, the government, and the county. If we are to succeed, it is imperative that this issue be addressed promptly.”
The group claimed Norris had ignored their contributions to the party and shut them out of government appointments. Some described her behavior as a “gross neglect” of the Unity Party’s grassroots base.
“It’s deeply regrettable that we, the young people who stood in the rain and sun campaigning for this party, are being treated with such disrespect,” another demonstrator added.
Protesters also alleged that Superintendent Norris refused repeated attempts to engage in dialogue, reportedly telling them, “I’m not here for party business.”
In addition to complaints of political exclusion, the group leveled corruption allegations against Norris, accusing her of misappropriating county funds and awarding contracts to favored companies in exchange for kickbacks.
Superintendent Norris did not appear at the protest site and has yet to issue a public response.
Shortly after the protest began, several county officials and Regional Gender Coordinator Viola Cooper arrived on the scene. Cooper accepted a 12-count petition on behalf of the administration and urged the protesters to remain peaceful.
“We are giving a one-week ultimatum for redress,” the group warned. “If our concerns are not addressed, we will continue with mass action.”
Protesters are also calling on President Joseph Boakai to intervene directly in the matter.
“We call on the president to take decisive action in relieving Madam Hawa Norris of her post,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
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