Rep. Marvin Cole’s Corrupt Practices in Bong County: $16K Missing, Allegedly Accused of Embezzlement

Bong County, Liberia: Residents of communities impacted by Huiren Mining Company’s operations in Bong County are calling for transparency regarding social benefits promised to them since 2022.

Under an agreement, the company is supposed to pay $4,000 every five months to support the affected communities. These payments were to be made to an account called “Washington Bonnah,” set up by Representative Marvin Cole.

Documents show that the company deposited a total of $16,000 into this account, following the terms of the agreement. However, there are growing accusations that Representative Cole and his associate, Washington Bonnah, misused these funds. Local residents are demanding clarity about how the money has been handled.

Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong County has faced multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct in recent years.

Allegations of Embezzlement

In February 2025, residents of communities affected by Huiren Mining Company’s operations accused Representative Cole and his associate, Washington Bonnah, of embezzling $16,000 intended for social benefits. The funds were deposited into an account named “Washington Bonnah” as per a 2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and the affected communities. The company claims to have made regular payments, but residents allege that the funds were misused.

Legal Issues

In November 2024, the Monrovia City Court issued an arrest warrant against Representative Cole for allegedly neglecting to support his 11-year-old daughter, Rebecca Cole. The case was filed by the child’s mother, Clara Asibu, who claimed that Cole’s neglect left them without essential needs.

Political Controversies

In 2023, Representative Cole was accused of diverting $40,000 allocated for constructing a clinic in his hometown of Gbondoi. Despite the funds being earmarked in the national budget for three years, Cole allegedly redirected the money for other purposes. The government defended him, assuring that the clinic would eventually be built, but the accusations tarnished his public image.

Additionally, Cole faced criticism for ordering his security to confront a neighbor over a property dispute, an incident that sparked outrage and further damaged his reputation.

Party Resignation

Representative Cole resigned from the National Patriotic Party (NPP), citing disagreements with the party’s leadership and his suspension from the party. He claimed that his suspension was undemocratic and unconstitutional, as it was done without giving him a fair opportunity to be heard.