Gbarmue, Bong County — A leaked official letter in possession of Verity News, has sparked controversy in Bong County after allegations emerged that District #3 Representative Josiah Marvin Cole directed a mining company to divert funds meant for affected communities to finance a school project without their consent.
The letter, dated October 6, 2025, and bearing the letterhead of Liberia’s House of Representatives, allegedly instructs Huiren Mining Company to redirect US$5,500 originally earmarked for mining-affected communities in the Wainsue area toward the construction of an elementary and junior high school in Gbarmue Town. The lawmaker reportedly promised that the money would be repaid once the communities formally requested it.
In the document, Rep. Cole justified the decision by citing the company’s current non-production status and describing education as a priority for the district. He referenced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the mining company and the affected communities, which includes the school project among planned development initiatives. The total estimated cost of the school was put at slightly over US$9,000.
The leaked letter has raised concerns among community members and governance advocates, who question whether the lawmaker has the legal authority to redirect community-designated funds without approval. As of publication, neither Rep. Cole nor Huiren Mining Company had publicly responded to questions regarding the letter’s authenticity or legality.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in Gbarmue Town, with residents threatening legal action against the lawmaker. Community leader Othello Topoe accused Rep. Cole of earlier diverting funds intended for communities affected by Chinese mining operations and of attempting to gain control over additional development funds.
According to Topoe, the dispute follows Rep. Cole’s recent intention to cancel an existing MOU between the communities and the mining companies. He alleged that the lawmaker sought to seize control of US$22,500 and L$20,000 held in a community development account by appointing loyal signatories.
“We are prepared to take you to court,” Topoe said, accusing the representative of undermining community rights and misusing development resources. He and other residents insist that the MOU be respected and that funds designated for community development be managed transparently.
The controversy has heightened calls for accountability in the management of mining-related development funds. As legal action looms, residents say they are determined to pursue justice and ensure that resources intended for their communities are used as agreed.
