Grand Bassa County Superintendent Bono Dies at 69

BUCHANAN – Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Julia K. Bono, has died at age 69, Rural Reporters News Network has independently gathered.

Bono succumbed to death early Monday, at the Liberian Government Hospital, in the port city of Buchanan, with the cause of her death yet unknown.

On April 18 this year, the Executive Mansion announced Bono’s appointment as superintendent of Grand Bassa County. She was appointed along with five others including Paul Y. Piah, Grand Bassa County Financial Officer; Moses G. Henry, Grand Bassa County Development Officer; James W. Duen, Administrative Officer for Grand Bassa County; Lady Benson, Mayor, Edina City, Grand Bassa County; and George B. Gaybueh, Mayor, Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.

“Madam Bono and I worked together from her home late Sunday and I did not detect her to have been ill until I heard her death news this morning. I am shocked,” a grief-stricken Onesimus Garway, Grand Bassa County Communication Officer, told RRNN moments after news about the demise of the fallen Superintendent of Bassa County broke.

Madam Bono, a retired army general of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), died leaving behind an impactful legacy of dedication and service to her country, with news of her death sending shockwaves down the spines of many who interacted with her while she was alive.

Bassa citizens, especially those in Buchanan, the capital, are mourning the loss of a workaholic and patriotic people-person, according to our reporter in the area, who said many could be seen and heard crying bitterly, while others bewildered over the demise of Madam Bono, recounted the good deeds of the deceased.

Madam Bono was known for her tireless efforts in improving the lives of her constituents and advocating for development throughout Grand Bassa County.

Her brief tenure as superintendent was marked by initiatives aimed at enhancing the Grand Bassa education system, the county’s health care delivery, and improvement in Bassa County’s infrastructure.

The fallen superintendent previously served as City Mayor for the City of Buchanan, and during this time was recognized by former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, for her dedication and loyalty to public service.

Under her administration as Mayor, Bono oversaw the construction of the UMACO-funded Buchanan City Hall valued at US$295,000.

During Bono’s tenure as Mayor, the City of Buchanan benefited modern infrastructure development and massive beautification projects including a new City Hall, floral designs, and well-designed public seating facilities at beaches and other locations.