Botota City Mayor, Papa Dolo, has launched a strong and direct criticism against Bong County authorities.
Dolo accused the county leadership of “abandoning a critical agricultural investment intended to support farmers in Kokoyah District and surrounding communities.”
He told journalists in Botota, Tokpablee Administrative District that the Kokoyah Multipurpose Cooperative storage facility, which the World Food Program (WFP) constructed in 2011, has been left in a state of neglect, despite its original purpose of strengthening local food production and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
“The county authorities have completely abandoned this facility. This place was built to support farmers; to provide storage, and create economic opportunity. Today, it is not serving any purpose, because of lack of attention and responsibility.”
Mayor Dolo said, the facility once played a major role when it helped farmers to store their produce; reduce post-harvest losses, and access better market opportunities.
He said, the progress has been reversed “due to county leadership continued inaction.”
Dolo added: “What we are seeing is a clear lack of commitment to rural development. You cannot accept international support for development projects and then abandoned them without accountability. This is a failure of leadership.”
Mayor Dolo further warned that the situation reflects a broader pattern of neglect affecting development projects in the district.
He argued that communities are being left out of meaningful development despite repeated promises from local authorities.
“Our farmers are struggling every day, yet the very facility meant to support them is ignored. This sends a very wrong message about priorities and governance.”
Dolo has meanwhile, called on the county authorities to immediately address the condition of the facility, either through rehabilitation or a clear plan for its use.
He claimed that continued neglect of the facility would amount to “wasted public and donor investment.”
The county authorities failed to respond to inquiries from journalists regarding the issue.