By: Samuel Flomo, Jr.
The youth of Bong County have reportedly been left frustrated and betrayed after Finance Officer Silas Tokpa announced that the US$17,000 allocated for the 2025 Youth Empowerment Program will not be released through a consortium of youth organizations, citing alleged “legal restrictions” and “audit concerns.” Critics, however, have accused Tokpa and the county leadership of obstructionism and mismanagement that threaten to derail vital youth initiatives.
The controversy erupted after seven local youth organizations petitioned county officials to channel the funds through a single coordinating body for fair distribution. Instead of supporting transparency and efficiency, Tokpa insisted that Liberia’s financial rules prevent such a consortium, raising suspicions about the county administration’s true intentions. Observers note that Tokpa’s emphasis on audit risks and NGO registration appears selective, conveniently blocking youth groups from accessing funds while offering little explanation of how accountability will be enforced across the county’s sprawling districts. Many citizens have wondered why the Gbarnga-based elite seem favored in previous allocations, while genuine youth-led efforts in rural areas continue to struggle. Sources close to the groups alleged that Tokpa and Bong County leadership have a pattern of sidelining district-based youth organizations, leaving critical empowerment programs stalled. They argued that repeated “trainings” funded by the county have historically produced minimal results, yet the current administration seems more focused on bureaucratic excuses than meaningful youth development. The district youth leaders have reported that they too have submitted requests for funds, yet county authorities appear determined to monopolize control, raising concerns over political favoritism and misappropriation. However, Tokpa has defended his decision, warning that unresolved audit issues or consortium membership could disqualify organizations. Critics, however, accused him of creating artificial barriers to prevent youth groups from accessing funds, effectively holding the $17,000 hostage while the county council deliberates. With the US$17,000 still secured but frozen in the budget, anger is mounting among youth across all fourteen administrative districts of Bong County. The Finance Officer reiterated that only the county administration and council have the authority to release funds, but many are asking whether this is lawful governance or political gatekeeping? The controversy surrounding Bong County Youth Empowerment Program appears to threaten the exposure of deep-seated weaknesses in leadership, transparency, and commitment to the county’s future.