BAO CHICO to Disburse $1.5 Million Social Development Funds

By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. | Gbarpolu Correspondent

‎Capitol Hill, |Jan. 29, 2026 | The Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus, led by Senator Botoe Kanneh, met with representatives of BAO CHICO and the Gbarpolu County Sports Steering Committee in Senator Kanneh’s office on Capitol Hill in Monrovia on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

‎The meeting focused on BAO CHICO’s social development obligations, relocation concerns, and support for the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet (NCSM).

‎During the meeting, BAO CHICO announced that its Educational and Social Development Arrear Funds are now ready for disbursement.

‎Mr. Varney Sirleaf, the company’s consultant and former Minister of Internal Affairs, said 60% of the total three-year social contribution, amounting to $1,500,000, will go to Gbarpolu County, while the balance will go to Bomi and Montserrado. Of the Gbarpolu 60%, 20% of the Social Development Fund will be allocated directly to affected communities.

‎According to BAO CHICO’s Consultant, the Local Government Ministry has served those concerned letters to go ahead and open the account and place the money in it, which will be done in the coming days.

‎The meeting addressed relocation concerns, with BAO CHICO committing to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the blasting range and develop a relocation package for individuals and communities that may be affected. The company will provide mineral water to affected communities in the short-term and construct hand pumps for long-term relocation.

‎BAO CHICO Manager, Mr. John Jallah, expressed appreciation to the Caucus and the people of Gbarpolu County for the opportunity to operate in the County, calling for a mutual and transparent communication channel.

‎He pleaded that citizens stop dragging the company’s activities on social media and share their concerns with local authorities and the Caucus for discussion and subsequent resolution.

‎Senator Botoe Kanneh, Representative Mustapha Warity, and Senator Amara Konneh’s representative, Chief of Office Staff Siaka Sheriff, attended the meeting. There was no representation from District #1 & #2 offices.

‎Meanwhile, during the meeting, the Gbarpolu County 2025/2026 NCSM Sports Steering Committee thanked Senator Kanneh and Senator Konneh for their support to the teams during the just-ended county meet and requested BAO CHICO to cover the outstanding over $6,000 needed to settle kickball and basketball players’ perdiem.

‎BAO CHICO said it will work on the request, but did not promise 100% payment.

‎BAO CHICO was represented by three persons, including Mr. Varney Sirleaf and Mr. John Jallah, while the Gbarpolu County Sports Steering Committee was represented by Co-Chair for Administration Mohammed Kanneh, Co-chair for Operations Aaron Mulbah, and Head for Media Publicity Henry Gboluma.