By: P. Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County – Ahead of the August 12 by-election in Nimba County’s Electoral District #5, agriculture expert and district native Bories B. Barlea has formally declared his intention to contest the vacant legislative seat.
Speaking on Radio Kergheamahn’s “Breakfast Show,” Barlea outlined a development agenda focused on agriculture, education, youth empowerment, and road infrastructure.
“By the grace of God, the name Bories Barlea will be in this election,” he said. “We’re here not just to participate, but to fulfill a mission—District #5 and Nimba deserve better.”
Barlea is a former Ministry of Education technician and HR officer, credited for driving reforms such as the election of local school boards in Nimba. Now a successful entrepreneur, he is founder and CEO of the Liberia Farmers Development Corporation (LIFADCO), operating in 9 of Liberia’s 15 counties and partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture.
“If anyone says they’re contributing to agriculture, let them show their buyer guide and processing area—we have these and more,” he said.
If elected, Barlea aims to serve as Chair or Co-Chair on the House Committees on Agriculture or Education, believing technical committees are key to effective legislative impact.
He said a baseline survey of over 5,000 residents found road connectivity as the top concern, followed by agriculture and education.
“Our farmers are suffering. When roads are bad, cocoa from places like Tiahplay or Buutuo sells at a loss,” he said. “We’ll fix that so farmers can earn fair prices.”
Barlea also plans to push for a review of the Education Act of 2011 to align rural schools with national standards. He criticized Liberia’s current agriculture structure as being too donor- and project-driven.
“The Ministry of Agriculture must align its projects with national goals. Too often, agriculture workers are spectators in their own districts,” he noted.
He praised Nimba’s local government for committing 50% of the next county budget to agriculture, a move he says came from his advocacy.
Calling for unity and transparent elections, Barlea warned that a crowded field could hurt the district’s development goals. “Everyone has a right to contest, but let’s consider the expedient path,” he said.
Barlea positions himself as a strong contender to replace Samuel G. Kogar, the former Representative elected to the Liberian Senate on April 22, 2025. Following constitutional procedures under Article 37, the House officially informed the National Elections Commission (NEC) on May 26, triggering preparations for the August 12 by-election.
