Discontent Brews in Gola Konneh Over Local Appointments, Community Forest Management

By Eric G. Kanneh

Managorduah, Grand Cape Mount County–October 3, 2025-Dissatisfaction is said to be growing among residents of Gola Konneh District in Grand Cape Mount County over the appointments of local leadership. Attending a meeting in Managorduah Town on October 3, 2025, residents of Mana and Laar strongly voiced their opposition against recent appointment made by Gola Konneh District Commissioner, Alfred G. Varney.

The meeting, which drew elders, youths, former officials, and community leaders together, also addressed lingering disputes over the management of community forests being operated by Akewa Group of Companies in the two clans.

Former Grand Cape Mount County Superintendent, Aaron Vincent, alleged that Commissioner Varney recommended his family members to serve as local authorities, describing the move “unacceptable” and a recipe for division among citizens.

“Managorduah Zone alone has three to four General Town Chiefs already. To add more appointees in such manner is nothing but a creation of confusion,” Vincent warned.

Several elders and citizens present said they were not informed of the appointments, describing the process as disrespectful and unconstitutional. They questioned whether a commissioner has the sole authority to make such appointments.

Citing Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution and provisions within the Local Government Act of 2018, community members stressed that the selection of Clan Chiefs and General Town Chiefs must involve elders, traditional leaders, and the community at large–not unilateral recommendations by a commissioner.

The law provides that “clan chiefs, town chiefs, and general town chiefs shall be nominated by local communities and elders through traditional processes, and subsequently recognized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”

During the heated discussions, Elder Elijah Gbanjah Seh advised citizens not to outrightly use the term “rejection,” but rather to draft a resolution to present to the national government. Meanwhile, women leaders, including Madam Massa Gola, lamented that the commissioner’s actions are deepening conflicts in Gola Konneh District.

The chair of the meeting, Mr. Z. Marley Dowah urged the elders to consult the district dean elders and reconvene. The citizens agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Gohn Zoe to discuss community forest issues, and another on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the district headquarters in Tahn to address the disputed appointments.

Community Forest Issues

The second segment of the meeting focused on the operations of Akewa Group of Companies in the management of community forests.

Former Superintendent Vincent reminded citizens that during his administration, the company provided US$63,810 and an additional US$10,000 for scholarships, with a Community Forest Management Body (CFMB) set up to manage funds.

However, former Sports Director of Gola Konneh District M. Zico Kamara, expressed disappointment in the mismanagement of the funds.

“The company promised to build schools, handpumps, and provide scholarships, but the committees have failed to account. Even the first US$5,000 for scholarships has no clear report,” Kamara noted.

It was further alleged that the company provides US$15,000 annually every August to the district, but there has been no accountability. One scholarship committee member insisted he has records of how some of the funds were used, though citizens demanded a full report.

The Way Forward

As tempers flare, elders were partially blamed for remaining silent on the matter. They promised to consult with the district’s dean elders before giving a final stance. Vincent, however, alleged that some elders may have been influenced financially, deepening mistrust in the process.