By Paul M. Kanneh
Citizens of the Gbandi Land have galvanized to rebuild their community radio. The citizens’ initiative is in response to the request of the Management of the Harleyngee Community Radio to have an ideal and spacious office for the community radio.
Through a rallying call, the community has so far raised $702,535 Liberian Dollars. The contributions were made through individuals, institutions and towns. Below is the breakdown of contributions by 112 towns within the Gbandi Land, which are listed by clans: Wanwoma Clan, $148,430, Hassala Clan, $74,705 LD, Lukasu Clan, $90,500, Hembeh Clan, $22,420, Tahamba Clan, $266,990, Wulukuha Clan, $34,390, Kolba City, $50,800.
Institutional contributions from Lofa Eye Newspaper and KDDA is $24,370, while anonymous persons contributed $10,000. In addition to the cash contributions, the citizens are also providing local labors and materials, including sand and site clearing.
Other community members that have contributed are, Augustine Chemical $10,000, Representative Momo safa Kpoto, 40 bags of cement, 10 pieces of steel rows and 10 gallons of gasoline and former Representative, Clarence Massaquoi, 100 bags of cement.
Others are Internal Affairs Minister, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, 100 bags of cement, Foya City Mayor, Josiah Saahkeh, $6,000, Wanhassa District Paramount Chief’s Office, $6,000, James Mollay Sowah, $1,500, Harleyngee Community Radio Callers Association, $2,000.
Pledges include, Director General of LIGIS, Richard Ngafuan, LD$100,000, Senator Joseph K. Jallah, LD$200,000, Abraham Billy, Director General of AITB LD$100,000, Senator Momo Y. Cyrus, 25 bags of cement, Superintendent J. Lavalah Massaquoi, US$100.00, and Max N. Momo, LD$10,000.
Other pledges made were, Association of Gband Landers in America, US$100.00, County Education Officer, John S. Sallay LD$10,000, Kolahun Educational System LD$10,000, former City Mayor, Jackson Boakai LD$10,000, Former Kolahun District Educational Officer, Jeremiah Massaquoi LD$5,000.00, Madam Oretha M Tarley, $25.00 and the Office of the Vice President of Liberia pledged arco zinc and 1000-watt transmitter.
These donations and pledges are testaments of the significance of community initiatives in the development of any society. It indicates that communities can do a lot when they are supported to undertake their own initiatives. The Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, Mohammed Ali served as Chief Launcher of the fund-raising ceremony.
Other who graced the occasion were Patrick Honah, Commissioner of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA), J. Lavela Massaqoi, Superintendent of Lofa County and J. Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports. They, on behalf of Clarence Massaquoi donated all necessary materials that will cover the construction from the foundation to roof level.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new office took place on July 7, 2025 in Kolba City, Kolahun District. During the program, citizens gathered in their numbers to celebrate the rebuilding of their community radio. The occasion was filled with joy and appreciation for those who have played pivotal roles in supporting this significant initiative.
The management of Harleyngee Community Radio expressed their profound gratitude to all attendees, stating that the overwhelming support showcase unity among the residents of Gbandi Chiefdom. “This day marks a renewed effort to revitalize community communication and connectivity through the rebuilding of harleyngee community Radio, which has been a beacon of local information and culture”, the management said.
The Paramount Chief of Kolahun District, Jallah Manjoe, expressed gratitude to all the sponsors in garnering support for the rebuilding of the community radio.
As the community comes together in celebration, the hope for the new Harleyngee Community Radio is not just about infrastructure, but revitalizing a sense of belonging and enhancing communication for the people of Gbandi Chiefdom. The heartfelt gratitude expressed at the ceremony underscores the power of collaboration and community spirit in bringing about positive change.
