By D Abraham Cooper Sr
A significant controversy is unfolding in Grand Gedeh County following the appointment of a Burkinabe national, Halildi Zongo, to an “ambassador” role within the office of Representative Jacob C. Debee.
The appointment has drawn fierce criticism from the county’s civil society, with a formal demand for its immediate withdrawal.
Mr. Atilas A. Kai, Coordinator of the Grand Gedeh County Civil Society Organizations and head of the county’s YMCA, has penned a strongly-worded letter to Representative Debee. Mr. Kai labeled the appointment as “illegal” and questioned its necessity, pointing out that existing legislative protocols already define a lawmaker’s staffing team.
“What role will the Home Office Coordinator play if outside ‘ambassadors’ can be named?” Mr. Kai reportedly asked in an open letter.
Crucially, Mr. Kai’s challenge hinges on the Local Government Act of 2018. He asserts that this act grants the County Council—not individual lawmakers—the authority to create or approve new local offices.
He argues that if Rep. Debee wishes to establish ambassadorial roles, he must first work with the County Council to officially pass a resolution, rather than acting unilaterally.
The letter has ignited a lively debate across Grand Gedeh, with residents and civic leaders now split on the issue. Many are publicly questioning the purpose and legality of creating a non-traditional “ambassadorial position” at the county level.
The appointment of Mr. Halildi Zongo, a Burkinabe national, as Ambassador to Rep. Debee’s office was first made on September 11, 2025, and has now triggered this wave of intense criticism.
All eyes remain on Representative Debee as the county awaits his response to the escalating governance disputes.
