Former Bong County District #7 Representative Joseph Papa Kolleh, has raised concerns over ‘systemic governance’ failures undermining development efforts.
Kolleh claimed the county’s challenges are not rooted in a shortage of funding, but in ineffective systems that fail to translate resources into tangible results.
He said, investments in infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities are frequently compromised by poor planning, weak supervision and limited grassroots involvement.
Kollie stressed that the meaningful development depends on accountability, transparency and collective responsibility, principles he believes are not fully practiced.
A key issue, Kolleh said, is the marginalization of district leaders in crucial decisions, particularly in the awarding of contracts and project implementation.
He said, contractors are often selected at higher levels of government without consulting local authorities, who are nonetheless expected to oversee project execution.
the authority to enforce standards.” Kollie warned that the gap has led to poorly executed projects, delays, and, in some cases, abandoned initiatives. The result, he added, is growing public frustration and declining trust in development programs. During his time in office, and as former chairman of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, Kolleh said, he pushed for reforms to address these issues. Among his proposals was a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would bring together local authorities, district leaders, and contractors under a clear framework of roles and responsibilities. However, the proposal was never adopted.
Kolleh highlighted that several projects dating back to 2006, 2012, and 2018 remain incomplete or poorly executed, with reports indicating that some contractors received payment without delivering results. He recalled an incident in his district where funds were released for a project in his absence, only for him to later discover that little work had been done.
To move forward, Kolleh has called for the establishment of a structured project governance system supported by a formal MoU. He proposed a Project Management Committee that would include key local leaders, community representatives, and contractors to ensure better coordination and oversight. Kollie also recommended strengthening monitoring and evaluation through regular inspections, transparent reporting, and financial audits, alongside increased community participation. Additionally, he suggested introducing digital systems to track project implementation in real time, enhancing both efficiency and transparency.
“Sustainable development goes beyond allocating funds. It requires systems that ensure every investment benefits the people.”