By D. Abraham Cooper Sr.
The Grand Gedeh County Headquarters of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders has fallen into a state of total dereliction.
For the past two years, the building-once a symbol of traditional authority and governance in Grand Gedeh- has stood deserted. Today, piles of refuse occupy the premises, underscoring what residents describe as the steady decline of an institution that once played a central role in the county’s cultural and administrative life.
The headquarters was constructed during the administration of former Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Hon. Peter Solo as a central hub for traditional governance and the coordination of customary affairs.
However, the building’s decline began following the tragic death of former District #1 Representative, Hon. Erol Madison Gwion.
According to accounts gathered from residents, tensions escalated during the mourning period for Rep. Gwion when members of the council were accused of shielding a woman allegedly linked to the lawmaker’s death. The accusations sparked public outrage and unrest within the community.
In the ensuing turmoil, angry crowds reportedly set the building ablaze, causing extensive damage to the structure and destroying property within. Since the arson attack, no significant renovation or security measures have been undertaken, leaving the structure in a charred and deteriorating state.
An investigation by Verity News found that the abandoned facility is now being used as an informal landfill. Residents and individuals from surrounding areas have been dumping household and other waste within the building’s perimeter.
The accumulation of garbage has created serious environmental and public health concerns, particularly as the structure remains unsecured and accessible.
Beyond the physical decay, the absence of a functioning headquarters has had broader implications for traditional governance in the county. Without a formal office space, the Council of Chiefs and Elders has been unable to effectively convene meetings or carry out official proceedings.
The council is reportedly struggling to mediate local disputes, address social issues, and maintain a consistent presence in county-level decision-making processes.
“The headquarters of the chief and elder council has not been able to have an office in order to discuss some traditional issues affecting people in the county,” a concerned resident told Verity News.
As the building continues to deteriorate, community members are calling for urgent intervention to restore the facility and revive the traditional council’s role in promoting peace, unity, and cultural governance in Grand Gedeh County.
