BOTOTA, Bong – The highly anticipated Community Development Fund District Sitting in Bong County Electoral District #1 concluded in a deadlock on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as the gathering faced significant disruption due to alarming discoveries regarding financial discrepancies related to the management of the 20% share of the ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) contribution to the county’s development initiatives.
The sitting was convened to discuss how the funds, intended to bolster development projects within the district, have been utilized. However, the proceedings took a turn when Map Africa, a monitoring platform dedicated to overseeing the implementation of county and district development projects, presented findings that indicated major irregularities dating back to 2019. The report highlighted substantial discrepancies between the amount of money reported as disbursed and the actual work completed on various projects.
The revelations sent shockwaves through the attendees, which included community leaders, local lawmakers, representatives from youth and women’s organizations, as well as members of civil society groups. As details of the financial inconsistencies emerged, many delegates expressed their astonishment and concern, prompting urgent calls for accountability.
During the meeting, several participants voiced their demand for a comprehensive audit of past projects before any new funding allocations are approved. “We cannot move forward with new projects until we understand where the previous funds have gone,” one representative asserted, echoing the sentiments of many amongst the crowd.
The deadlock reflects not only the community’s frustration over the management of development funds but also a broader call for transparency and accountability in the governance of public resources. Stakeholders emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of existing projects to ensure that future endeavors align with the development goals of the community, thereby restoring trust among residents regarding the proper handling of their county’s funds.
As discussions stalled, it remains unclear how officials will address these significant allegations moving forward, leaving many in the community anxious about the future of developmental projects in Bong County. The outcome of this deadlock will likely have lasting implications for the governance and financial management practices within the district.
