GGUSU Calls for Immediate Release of Students’ Budget by Grand Gedeh Local Authority

By: Ben TC Brooks| Correspondent

Grand Gedeh County – Sunday, June 01, 2025 – The Grand Gedeh University Students Union (GGUSU) has issued a statement condemning the local authorities for their decision to withhold the budget intended for student education as per the approved 2024 County budget.

The Union argues that this decision threatens the educational opportunities for youth in Grand Gedeh and undermines the county’s capacity for effective leadership.

In its announcement, held on May 30, 2025, GGUSU reached out to students, parents from all eight administrative districts of Grand Gedeh, local business operators, religious leaders, tribal representatives, civil society groups, and various community organizations to highlight the urgency of the situation.

The union has strongly criticized the local government for failing to release a USD$30,000.00 budget allocation earmarked for educational support.

Although they followed the proper procedures to request these funds, Superintendent Grant reportedly indicated that no funds were available and recommended waiting for the 2025 budget.

Expressing their dissatisfaction, GGUSU referenced a previous agreement from 2013 that established a yearly allocation of $50,000 to support university students across Liberia, which was honored until 2018, when it was abruptly canceled by then-Superintendent Grant.

The disruption significantly impacted students’ ability to continue their education, leading to a considerable number of dropouts.

Even though there was a renewed promise from former Superintendent Kai G. Farley in 2023, GGUSU is dismayed that the promised $30,000 allocation for 2024 has not been honored, reflecting a failure on Grant’s part.

The Union warns that such actions not only threaten educational opportunities for young people but also set a dangerous precedent for the future of both Grand Gedeh County and Liberia as a whole.

They argue that the deliberate withholding of these funds mirrors previous efforts to obstruct educational opportunities for students, which are vital for developing a skilled workforce for both Grand Gedeh and Liberia respectively.

GGUSU emphasizes that these funds are crucial for academic programs and support services that benefit over 3,000 students; asserting that Superintendent Grant’s decision jeopardizes the educational aspirations of current and future generations.

Citing notable figures such as Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela, the union urges local authorities to prioritize youth education, warning that neglecting these needs can lead to inequities and hinder development within Grand Gedeh County.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief