By Shallon S. Gonlor (shallonsgonlor@gmail.com)
SEHYIKIMPA TOWN, Nimba County — Mary Nya Gonlepa has been sworn in as the second female District Commissioner of Sanniquellie-Mah Administrative District — marking a significant milestone for the district.
The ceremony was held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Commissioner’s compound in Sehyikimpa Town.
Commissioner Gonlepa replaces the late Commissioner Margret Cassell, who immediately passed upon her nomination by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai in 2024 due to protracted illness.
In her acceptance speech, Commissioner Gonlepa thanked President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for the confidence reposed in her. She pledged to address issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) — emphasizing the need for increased reportage, improved responses, and solidarity among men and women.
Gonlepa assured that her administration would prioritize women, girls, and social development.
Commissioner Gonlepa vowed to work closely with citizens to foster community growth and development. She described her appointment as a call to serve her people and pledged to address human rights violations.
Gonlepa emphasized the importance of continued conversations on responding to issues affecting vulnerable groups, such as women and children.
“The time has come for us as a nation to have continued conversations on how we can effectively respond to issues — rights abuse even among the most vulnerable groups of our society such as women and children.”
She added that she is aware of the importance of the local assignment and, therefore, assured of her best output and to do her work diligently. The commissioner, gave the assurance in her induction statement issued to mark the commencement of impactful measures to address all forms of violence against women.
Commissioner Gonlepa said under her administration the sensitisation campaigns will reach unprecedented levels, unprecedented — drive meaningful conversations and change attitudes across communities. “And through collaboration, persistent advocacy, awareness, and expanded access to support systems, as well as available resources, this office will be able to make remarkable achievements”.
The commissioner stated that the intention of her leadership is solely to reflect and redouble efforts in eliminating GBV and FGM — and ensure every woman and girl lives with dignity, respect, and the freedom they deserve. With over 25 years of experience in public service, Commissioner Gonlepa is the longest-serving Mayor of Sanniquellie City. Her tenure was marked by strong community engagement and a focus on infrastructure and municipal growth.
Gonlepa’s appointment is seen as historic, continuing President Boakai’s empowerment of women in leadership positions. As District Commissioner, Gonlepa will work alongside other commissioners to implement the government’s ARREST agenda for inclusive development.
With three female commissioners out of nineteen in Nimba County’s Administrative Districts, Gonlepa’s appointment underscores the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and representation in leadership positions.
