– Superintendent Gono responds to Senator Kogar’s Call for Audit
By Shallon S. Gonlor (shallonsgonlor@gmail.com)
SANNIQUELLIE CITY, Nimba County — Superintendent Ma Kou Meapeh Gono says the county’s finances will be defended as she rejects a call for an internal audit, issued by Senator Samuel Kogar. The exchange underscores growing tensions over governance and the use of funds in Nimba County’s development programs.
In Sanniquellie, after delivering medical supplies to G.W. Harley Hospital, Senator Kogar urged transparency and accountability in the county’s financial management, calling for an audit of how county funds are used under Superintendent Gono’s leadership.
“It is our responsibility as legislators to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes,” Senator Kogar said. “The superintendent of Nimba needs to be audited as to how she is using the county’s money.” He pointed to infrastructure projects that, in his view, did not align with approved budget allocations, including the superintendent’s compound, renovations of government buildings, police residences, and fencing of armed barracks.
The phrase—“You will never be susu pa for Nimba”—carries a powerful cultural and political undertone. In Liberian parlance, “susu pa” refers to the person entrusted with managing a communal savings pot or fund. So when someone says, “You will never be susu pa for Nimba,” they’re essentially declaring: You won’t be the one calling the shots on how Nimba’s Social Development Fund is spent. It’s more than just a statement—it’s a challenge to authority, a rejection of perceived control, and a defense of local autonomy. In the context of Nimba County, where the Social Development Fund is a critical tool for community investment, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, this kind of rhetoric often reflects deeper tensions around representation, transparency, and who truly speaks for the people.
Superintendent Gono’s response was swift and unambiguous. In a statement delivered amid ongoing discussions about the county’s finances, she asserted readiness to face scrutiny while defending her administration’s use of funds. Her message was clear: “Call for Ur audit! I challenge it!!! But U will NEVER, I meant NEVER be Susu Pa for Nimba money at County Sittings.”
The Superintendent’s stance frames the audit as a test of accountability and transparency, while critics caution against perceived attempts to shield mismanagement. The public discourse touches on how funds are allocated and whether expenditure aligns with the needs and priorities of Nimba County residents.
In the background, the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) remains a focal point. Nimba County receives substantial support from CSDF, funded by ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations. The county receives $1.5 million annually, representing 50 million of the total $3 million contributed by ArcelorMittal Liberia, with aims to support infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Projects funded through CSDF include roads, bridges, schools, clinics, and town halls. While CSDF funds are central to regional development, debates persist about governance, reporting, and whether communities should have greater direct oversight.
The current controversy raises questions about governance: What is the proper role of the County Administration in approving and executing infrastructure projects financed by county resources? How should CSDF funds be tracked to ensure alignment with budgets and community needs? Can audits proceed in a manner that is both transparent to the public and respectful of legitimate administrative prerogatives?
As this develops, readers can expect updates on audit progress, Superintendent Gono’s responses, and any CSDF reporting measures that aim to bolster public trust in Nimba County’s development programs.
Sidebar: CSDF at a glance
– Annual CSDF funding to Nimba: $1.5 million (50 million of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s total $3 million contribution)
– Main focus: community development—infra, education, healthcare, livelihoods
– Notable projects: roads, bridges, schools, clinics, town halls
– Public concerns: governance, transparency, direct community oversight, and accountability mechanisms
