Gbarpolu Co: Mineral Rich Yet Struggling With Development and Leadership Conflicts”

Gbarpolu County, Liberia: On February 27, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai traveled from his residence in Rehab to Gbarpolu County to dedicate a significant water project aimed at improving the lives of residents in Bopolu City.

The initiative, funded by the government, received a generous allocation of $250,000 USD, which was revealed by Mo Ali, the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC).

The project was made possible through the efforts of Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Conneh, who worked diligently within the legislature to secure the funding. The water project is expected to benefit thousands of residents in Bopolu City, enhancing access to clean and reliable water in the area.

Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh 

During the Dedicatory ceremony Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh  was called to make special remarks while making her remarks, the Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh call on President Boakai to replace Superintendent Sam Zinnah on grounds that he is not doing the works of the superintendent of the county.

Senator Botoe who is also the chair of the county legislative stated that as written in her letter to the President “the people of Gbarpolu county are going to reject the superintendent”.

“And I will stand on my feet and say it we don’t want the superintendent of Gbarpolu county” Botoe said.

The senator also told the gathering that the US$ 150,000 allocated in the county resolution for the Bamuta bridget project will be used for roads pavement in the county.

She stated that the Minister of Public Works has told the county that the road from Monrovia to Bopolu including the Bamuta bridge is the responsibility of the government of Liberia.

Senator Kanneh also lamented the struggles of people in the county from concession companies citing Boa Chico as a company that is exploiting the county resources with no visible benefits to the county.

Reacting to claims made by Senator Botoe Kanneh, a few individuals who chose to speak with Kool 91.9 fm  stated that the senator was in error for telling the president that the people of Gbarpolu County are unable to work with Superintendent Sam Zinnah.

One female elder from Borpolu City, Musu Maka Mambay, shared her thoughts: “I voted for Senator Kanneh, but I do not support her actions in mandating the president to remove one of our sons without cause.”

She further explained, “If the people of Gbarpolu do not want a particular leader, we will come together, discuss, and inform Senator Kanneh. She would then communicate our concerns to the president. It should not be her sole decision to remove a leader from our county.”

When asked why Senator Kanneh does not want the current superintendent, Mambay replied, “As an individual, I do not know the reason.”

Senator Amara Konneh, speaking on a recent program, specifically addressed the educational challenges facing Gbarpolu County. He revealed that the county’s enrollment rate stands at just 12,000, which he noted is the lowest in the country. Additionally, Senator Konneh emphasized that the graduation rate for girls in the county is a concerning 2%, one of the lowest in the nation.

Senator Konneh called on President Boakai to prioritize Gbarpolu County in his developmental plans, particularly in the education sector. He also reminded President Boakai of his campaign promise to construct a road connecting Gbarpolu directly to Lofa, a vital infrastructure project for the region’s development.

President Boakai Speaking in Gbarpolu County During the Water Towel Dedication Feb 27, 2025

In light of these claims and counterclaims, President Boakai addressed the situation. Speaking directly about the ongoing developments, he acknowledged the state-of-the-art water supply project constructed by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) under Managing Director Mo Ali.

The president made a strong statement, noting that the ongoing divisions within Gbarpolu County have hindered the county’s development.

He urged all leaders to work together for the betterment of Gbarpolu County, emphasizing that unity is essential for progress.