By: P. Uriah Suah
Ganta, Nimba County: Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has once again dismissed allegations made by Senator Samuel Kogar, who accused her of mismanaging the county’s development funds and violating established public financial laws.
Recently, Senator Kogar criticized Superintendent Gono for allegedly using the county’s Social Development Funds (SDF) on what he termed “unnecessary initiatives” that should fall under the responsibility of the national government rather than funds generated through concession agreements and other local sources.
He argued that while some may view the renovation of superintendent and commissioner residences, district offices, and airport facilities as progress, such expenditures “do not address the pressing challenges facing residents” and, according to him, violate the Local Government Act of 2018 (LGA).
However, speaking to journalists on Thursday, Superintendent Gono strongly refuted the claims, describing them as politically motivated and misleading.
“Every project implemented under my administration is in full compliance with the Local Government Act, the PPCC guidelines, and the Public Financial Management Law,” she emphasized. “There is no mismanagement here only development.”
She further disclosed that an audit of the county’s financial activities has already been conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to her, the results will soon be released to the public.
Meanwhile, the county has begun preparation for the 2025 festive seasons, with the erection of Christmas tress and major clean-up exercises ongoing in cities like Ganta, Sacleapea, Baihn and Tappita amongst others.
For months, Nimba County has witnessed growing political tension among its leaders, with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Superintendent Gono, and several local officials on one side, while Senator Kogar remains firmly on the opposing end.
Additionally there are rising rumors that the Congress for Democratic Change is considering picking Senator Kogar as a potential running mate in the upcoming 2029 Presidential Elections, something that many say might be the cause of the ongoing fight.
Pundits have warned that the escalating political division may undermine the county’s longstanding political cohesion once fostered by the late Senator and influential political figure, Prince Johnson.
