Locals in Grand Kru County have called for the immediate replacement of the County Council. They accused members of failing to prioritize development needs and provide effective oversight of projects.
The demand was made during a stakeholders’ engagement organized by Accountability Lab Liberia, where participants expressed concerns over the council’s lack of engagement, and failure to hold the county administration accountable for stalled development initiatives.
Stakeholders alleged that since assuming office, members of the Council have not convened any countywide citizens’ meeting to discuss development priorities and challenges.
Instead, they accused members of the Council of focusing on issues that benefit Council members and some officials.
Participants cited several projects funded through the County Development Fund (CDF), and other county resources that they believe, have suffered from poor oversight.
They mentioned the county youth center, where they said, the county invested US$75,000 and an additional US$15,000 since 2020, but the facility has seen little visible improvement.
They also raised concerns about repeated investments in projects such as the superintendent’s compound, which they said, has undergone renovation on three different occasions without completion, as well as the Presidential Palace, Barclayville City Hall and Nrokwa Clinic.
According to the stakeholders, the inability of the County Council to properly monitor, and challenge decisions of the county administration has contributed to delays and unfinished projects.
They have called on the Ministry of Local Government, to intervene and replace the entire County Council.
They argued that stronger local leadership is necessary if the ARREST Agenda is to achieve meaningful results.
Meanwhile, some officials of the County Council, who attended the engagement acknowledged some of the concerns raised, but attributed internal challenges to the leadership style of Council Chairman, Gbadee Nyeswah.
The locals accused him of being biased in protecting personal interests.
The council officials also alleged that the Office of the Superintendent often undermines decisions the County Council made, creating difficulties in carrying out its oversight responsibilities.
Under the Local Government Act of 2018, County Councils are established as key institutions in the decentralization process.
They are responsible to approve county budgets, support County Development Plans, manage local revenue decisions, and ensure citizen participation in local governance.
Each county council consists of nine members representing traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities, with a mandate to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
Stakeholders say, the current concerns highlight the need for stronger oversight, greater citizen participation, and improved cooperation among county authorities to ensure development resources deliver results for communities.