-Massive Infrastructure Push, International Deals
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has overseen a year of significant infrastructure projects and high-profile engagements since taking office in 2024. Her first full year in charge, marked by both acclaim and early skepticism, has focused on development funding, facility upgrades, and international partnerships.
Gono’s 2024 appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. was met with mixed reactions. Some citizens questioned her qualifications due to her prior residency in the United States, while supporters pointed to her international experience as an asset for attracting development.
Just one year into her tenure as Nimba County’s 24th Superintendent, Madam Gono has set a new standard in public sector leadership, bringing people together with her transformative agenda and vision for progress. From upgrading rural infrastructure to empowering communities, supporting education, and engaging with locals, Gono’s second year is being praised for its action, transparency, and results-driven approach.
Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono’s administration remains committed to driving development in the county, focusing on transformative economic reforms, accountability, and transparency.
Superintendent Gono’s leadership drives sustainable growth and development, reflecting her vision for the county’s progress. Her administration focuses on creating a more equitable and prosperous community, addressing citizens’ needs through transformative reforms and targeted programs, aiming to uplift all citizens.
NIMBA COUNTY APPROVED $4.2 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025
In 2025, Superintendent Gono’s administration secured $4.2 million from the county’s coffers through the Nimba Legislative Caucus and county council. This funding jump-started various infrastructure projects, transforming key facilities from postwar to prewar status across the county.
Under her oversight, these projects are nearing completion, boosting local development and services. The investments target critical areas like roads, healthcare, and education, benefiting residents and driving growth.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 2025
Educational Center: The construction of two modern early childhood schools in the cities of Sanniquellie and Bahn as part of the county’s support to the national education agenda.
Gono’s administration’s decision to construct the schools in Sanniquellie and Bahn is geared toward buttressing the central government’s effort to improve the education sector.
Nimba Airstrip: A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the development of the Nimba Airstrip in Sanniquellie, a project spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse International in partnership with the Liberia Airport Authority to make the airstrip fully operational.
Nimba Lodge: Land has been acquired in Careysburg, Montserrado County, for the construction of the “Nimba Lodge,” a facility intended to serve as a central hub for Nimba County gatherings and provide lodging for county officials and sports teams when in Monrovia.
Government Facilities: The renovation of the 1959 Administrative Hall in Sanniquellie, and the construction/renovation of the Superintendent Compound in Sanniquellie, the Presidential and Civil Compound in Buutuo Town.
Others are the Governor’s Mansion and Civil Compound including all government facilities in Tappita City, and the Saclepea City Guest House and Civil Compound, and a police station in Yarwinmenssor.
Ongoing renovation work at the Nimba Administrative Building, a landmark in Sanniquellie that has stood for nearly 60 years, includes re-roofing, office modernization, and the installation of fencing, to upgrade the facility to modern standards.
ELEVATION TO SUPERINTENDENT COUNCIL
In August 2025, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono was elevated, officially inducted as Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia, a milestone achievement in the county’s Superintendent seat.
This prestigious role adds to her progressive leadership as Superintendent, where she has been redefining and repositioning the office as a model of effective governance across the country.
Superintendent Gono’s election and subsequent induction into this key leadership position are a testament to her unwavering dedication and visionary approach to governance.
The Nimba County Superintendent was unanimously endorsed by her colleagues as the National Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia.
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR 2024
In July 2025, Superintendent Gono was recognized and named among several national and international leaders of Liberia who received Liberia’s most prestigious award, the Golden Image Award (GIA) at an impressive program marked by pomp and pageantry.
Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono was named the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year — marking her as the first-ever Superintendent in post-war Liberia to win the national title.
Also, the award marks Nimba County’s first prestigious win through Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono based on leadership and exceptional demonstration — earning her congratulatory messages and inspirations across the county.
The Golden Image Awards (GIA) was founded in 2010, with the first edition held in July 2011 by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP) — a platform for all Liberians and internationals who are contributing to the growth and development of Liberia.
INTERNATIONAL TRIP
Superintendent Gono’s commitment to international engagement and capacity building earned widespread praise in 2025. She led two key successive diplomatic missions, starting with a seven-member delegation to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan on August 23, 2025. The expo showcased global innovation, culture, tech, and sustainability, offering unmatched networking opportunities with leaders and experts.
Gono prioritized gender inclusivity, featuring female leaders like Hon. Mary N. Gonlepa, Hon. Christina Mempoe Gontaye, and Hon. Kemah N. Kuoh in the delegation. Journalist Mr. Raily Guanbeh from Voice of Gompa also joined, marking a first for local press coverage of international events by a Nimba County journalist. This move highlighted Gono’s dedication to press freedom and professional growth.
Superintendent Gono recently led a historic all-women Nimba delegation to COP30 in Brazil on November 6, 2025. The delegation included a local female journalist, showcasing the county’s commitment to global climate action and women’s empowerment.
Their participation highlights Nimba’s role in international discussions on environmental sustainability and gender equality. The trip strengthened partnerships and brought global exposure to local initiatives.
SUPT v FRANCE PARTNERSHIP 2025
From her landmark international engagement, Supt. Gono inked a game-changing deal with French hydropower firm Hydroneo on behalf of her county, Nimba. Facilitated by Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, the partnership aims to develop a 20MW hydroelectric plant in Yekepa, Nimba County anytime soon. This project promises to boost local electricity access, create jobs, and drive economic growth, aligning with Liberia’s development goals.
The 2025 agreement paves the way for feasibility studies and significant energy infrastructure investments in the region. Once operational, the plant could transform Yekepa’s energy landscape, supporting businesses, homes, and communities. The collaboration highlights Gono’s push for sustainable development and energy solutions in Nimba County, especially its mine community of Yekepa.
CITIZENS WISH FOR 2026
As 2025 wraps up and the clock ticks into 2026, Nimba County’s citizens and residents are sending their best wishes to Superintendent Gono, hoping for a year packed with prosperity, growth, and progress in 2026.
Under her leadership, many look forward to continued development, impactful projects, and brighter days ahead.
