By Patrick Teah, Jr.
BARCLAYVILLE, Grand Kru County – Tension is rising in Grand Kru County as County Youth President Adam Chea has issued a stern ultimatum to local authorities over the long-delayed completion of the Grand Kru Youth Center project, which has remained unfinished for six years.
In an interview on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Chea voiced frustration over what he described as persistent neglect of the county’s young people. He warned that if immediate steps are not taken to complete the project, the youth community may resort to drastic measures, including shutting down administrative buildings and other government offices.
“This project was intended to empower and engage the youth of Grand Kru, but six years later, it remains incomplete,” Chea said, describing the stalled construction as a symbol of broken promises and disregard for the welfare of young people in the county.
However, County Development Officer Joe M. Sekpeh acknowledged the delay but firmly denied allegations of corruption.
Sekpeh explained that during the 13th County Sitting in 2020, county authorities allocated US$75,000 for the youth center project, to be paid in two installments. He said the contract was legally awarded to B&B Construction, a firm headed by contractor Ben Collines.
According to Sekpeh, the contractor received nearly the full payment but failed to complete the project within the agreed timeframe. He disclosed that the contractor was arrested on several occasions; however, the county was unable to terminate the contract due to the substantial amount of funds already disbursed.
“He later resumed work in 2025 and promised to hand over the keys by March 2026,” Sekpeh said, noting that the contractor has already received his final payment.
The Development Officer maintained that the process surrounding the project has been transparent and insisted that no county official misappropriated public funds. He added that legal action is being pursued against the contractor, who is reportedly in Monrovia while delegating team members to continue work at the site.
Sekpeh called on citizens to remain calm as county authorities work to ensure the eventual completion of the youth center, a project many residents say is critical to empowering young people across Grand Kru County.
