The former chairperson of the National Traditional Council of Liberia (NTCL), Zanzan Karwor, has accused doctors at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) in Sinkor, outside Monrovia, for “wrongful amputation of his leg.”
Zanzar Karwor claimed that the procedure was a “misdiagnosis of diabetes;” a development that is raising concerns about possible medical malpractice.
He spoke from his sick bed at a clinic in Monrovia where he said, his leg was removed after physicians at JFK Hospital diagnosed him with ‘diabetes,’ while he was hospitalized at the facility. Supporters close to the family now contending that a later medical review at another clinic reportedly found that Zanzar Karwor was only “pre-diabetic,” a claim that has intensified public scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the procedure leading to cutting off his leg.
The situation gained national attention after STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu visited Karwor on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Morlu described the case as both “malpractice and state neglect.” “Chief Zanzan Karwor: From ‘Chief of Chiefs’ to victim of state neglect. JFK amputated his leg on a diabetes diagnosis; later, a clinic found he was only pre-diabetic, an indictment of malpractice and a grave violation of human dignity,” Morlu posted. Morlu further attributed the chief’s declining health condition to a “systemic neglect.”
He argued that a man who once led traditional authorities in the country now finds himself struggling without adequate institutional support. His statement has since triggered debate on social media, with many calling for transparency from JFK. Karwor, a native of Grand Bassa County, served as chairman of the NTCL from 2006 until early August 2024, when a democratic transition ended his tenure. During his leadership, he worked under successive administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah, representing chiefs and elders nationwide. Now facing life as an amputee, Karwor, a relative said, must confront the physical and psychological trauma associated with such a life-altering surgery.
Family members say his health remains fragile, and have meanwhile, appealed to the public and government authorities for assistance to help cover mounting medical expenses.
Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative Clarence T. Banks, also visited Karwor at the clinic where he is receiving treatment.
During the visit, Rep. Banks made an initial financial contribution toward the chief’s medical bills, and pledged to provide an air conditioner to improve the conditions of his hospital room.
Chief Karwor expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s gesture, recalling the political contributions of his wife, former District #2 Representative Mary Karwor. “Thank you for coming to see me. I am satisfied seeing you. You are my brother,” Karwor welcomed Banks.
Source: Smartnewsliberia.com