By: Wilmot Konah
Gbarmue, Bong – Residents of communities affected by the mining operations of Huiren Mining Company in Bong County’s Electoral District #3 are demanding accountability for social benefits intended for them since 2022.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the company is required to pay U.S. $4,000 every five months until a new agreement is reached.
Following this agreement, an account titled “Washington Bonnah” was created and submitted to the company for benefit payments to the affected communities—an initiative led by Representative Marvin Cole.
Documents in DN News’ possession indicate that since the signing of the MoU, the company has deposited U.S. $16,000 into the “Washington Bonnah” account, aligning with four regular payments as per the MoU.
What the Company Says
The company claims it halted payments in 2024 due to complaints from district residents about not receiving their benefits—an allegation they strongly deny.
Huiren Mining Company’s Administrative Manager, Daniel Todd, explained that in May 2022, Representative Marvin Cole wrote to the company, instructing it to transfer payments to an account titled “Washington Bonnah.”
He further stated that since receiving the instruction from the district lawmaker, the company has regularly remitted the required amounts to the account under the assumption that affected communities were receiving their benefits.
“I was surprised when citizens started protesting. We have always paid their benefits into the account their leaders—Rep. Cole and former Commissioner Bonnah—presented to us,” Todd added.
Washington Bonnah’s Comments
Washington Bonnah, the former Commissioner of Jorquelleh District under whose regime the MoU was signed, acknowledged receiving two separate payments of U.S. $2,500 in the account submitted by Rep. Cole in his name.
“Before God and man, I only received money in that account twice—the account Rep. Cole created in my name for the affected communities,” Bonnah disclosed.
What Residents Are Saying
As accusations mount against Representative Marvin Cole and his ally Washington Bonnah for allegedly embezzling the funds, residents are demanding transparency regarding the previous payments made into the account by the company.
“We are suffering in this bush while others are eating our benefits. Rep. Cole and the former district commissioner connived to embezzle what rightfully belongs to us,” said Otto Doupar, a resident of the affected communities.
Benedict Belekabolu, Youth Chairman of Gharmue—one of the affected communities—highlighted several challenges the town is facing despite active mining operations in the area.
Belekabolu pointed to the lack of safe drinking water, a youth center, and educational opportunities for young people as major concerns. He expressed disappointment that while payments are reportedly being made, the community has yet to see any impact.
What the Affected Communities Want
Affected residents are now calling on Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, and Civil Society Organizations to investigate the matter.
Both Benedict Belekabolu and Otto Dunbar believe that summoning Rep. Marvin Cole and his ally Washington Bonnah to account for the funds received since 2022 would be the first step toward ensuring accountability.
Rep. Cole’s Response
Representative Marvin Cole has denied the allegations, claiming he was disrespected by the county administration during the signing of the MoU.
However, his claim was swiftly countered when Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norrisdisplayed MoU documents bearing Rep. Cole’s signature, contradicting his earlier statement that he was not a signatory.
