By Shallon S. Gonlor
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY — Senator Samuel G. Kogar has declared all financial liabilities against the late former Nimba County Superintendent Nelson N. Korquoi “waived” during the official funeral service on Saturday, sparking widespread controversy and reigniting national debates over public accountability and the limits of customary reconciliation. However, Kogar doesn’t seem to have the authority to effectuate declaration.
Kogar’s remarks at the Ganta Methodist Gymnasium, where hundreds of mourners gathered to honor Korquoi’s life and public service, immediately shifted the solemn occasion into a heated political conversation that has dominated radio talk shows and online platforms across Liberia.
“All debts on Mr. Korquoi based on the GAC report are hereby waived,” Kogar declared before mourners. “Even though it is not confirmed whether he is guilty or not, if he is confirmed guilty in the near future, I want to say he is free of any charges so his soul can rest in peace.”
The statement directly addressed the General Auditing Commission’s audit of Nimba County’s financial management from July 2018 to December 2023, which identified irregularities involving more than US$12 million and over L$55 million in county funds. Korquoi was among several former officials named in the report but had neither been convicted nor found legally liable before his death in June 2026 following a brief illness.
Amid mounting criticism from legal practitioners and civil society organizations, Senator Kogar defended his remarks as rooted in traditional Liberian funeral customs where debts and grievances involving the deceased are publicly forgiven to promote reconciliation and communal healing.
He insisted the declaration was symbolic rather than legal and not intended to interfere with ongoing investigations. “I have been one of those behind the auditing of past and present local government officials over the management of the County Development Funds,” Kogar said, citing his request for his own Chief of Office Staff to resign after the official was named in the GAC audit.
Supporters argue Kogar’s comments reflect compassion toward a public servant who was never found guilty in court, while critics contend that allegations involving public funds cannot be resolved through symbolic declarations and belong exclusively within Liberia’s legal and accountability institutions.
The controversy has exposed lingering political divisions in Nimba County, with some CDC supporters criticizing the absence of several political leaders from portions of the funeral activities.
“We are greatly disappointed for politicizing the funeral of someone who worked tirelessly for the county because he was a CDCian,” said businessman Prince Howard of Ganta. “This is something we should desist from and hold together as one county, regardless of political affiliation.”
A Life of Public Service
Beyond the controversy, Korquoi’s funeral drew hundreds of attendees including current and former government officials, lawmakers, traditional leaders, and ordinary citizens. The state-recognized memorial was organized by the Nimba County Administration under Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono.
Korquoi, a committed member of the Coalition for Democratic Change who joined the party in 2005, served as Commerce Inspector for Nimba County before his appointment as Superintendent from 2020 to 2023. Supporters credit his administration with advancing major infrastructure projects including the Ganta–Saclepea Highway and the Saclepea–Tappita Road.
Born June 5, 1972, in Makinto Town near Yekepa, Korquoi studied Business Management at the Liberia International Christian College. He is survived by his wife, Alice Paye Korquoi, five children, one grandchild, siblings, and numerous relatives.
Following the funeral service, Korquoi was laid to rest in his hometown near Ganta. However, Senator Kogar’s declaration has transformed what was intended as a farewell into a national conversation about the intersection of culture, politics, justice, and accountability in Liberia’s democratic governance.
