‘N0 Local’ is Capable of Filling Open Positions: Grand Gedeh District #2 Lawmaker Asserts

By: D Abraham Cooper Sr. | Grand Gedeh correspondent

ZWEDRU, GRAND GEDEH ‎| January 8,2026 | A heated debate has erupted in Grand Gedeh County following a remark by District #2 Representative, Marie G. Johnson, in which she questioned the professional qualifications of her constituent members.

‎Speaking recently during a “Thank You” tour across her district, Representative Johnson expressed that Konobo District does not have qualified citizens to fill available job openings in government.

‎Representative Johnson revealed that her office has successfully negotiated several employment slots with various government Ministries and Agencies, but she has been unable to find qualified members of her district to recommend for the slots.

‎‎The lawmaker asserted that available positions remain occupied due to a lack of skills. She urged the youth and middle-aged residents of Konobo to prioritize education and vocational training.

‎Johnson specifically highlighted the upcoming reopening of the Putu Iron Ore Mining Company, warning that locals must be “prepared and qualified” to benefit from the revitalized mining sector.

‎Local demand apology

‎But the lawmaker’s comments have met swift and fierce resistance from local leaders and youth advocates. On Tuesday, January 6, Bobby M. Kargbah, a prominent son of Konobo District, appeared on Smile FM’s Sunrise News Magazine and issued a sharp rebuttal.

‎Kargbah described the Representative’s statement as an insult to the intellectuals and hardworking citizens of the district. He is formally calling on the lawmaker to “apologize” to the people of Konobo District.

‎Bobby Kargbah was Representative Johnson to retract her statement immediately, arguing that there are many capable professionals in both the private and public sectors who hail from the region.