Less than a year into Senator Johnny K. Kpehe’s nine-year tenure, many young residents of Bong County have expressed deep disappointment with his leadership, accusing him of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.
During the 2023 elections, Kpehe pledged to “Make Bong Better,” a commitment his critics now describe as empty rhetoric aimed at securing votes. His supporters, once hopeful for tangible change, now feel betrayed.
Youth across the county have voiced dissatisfaction, with many declaring they will not support Kpehe in future political endeavors.
“I am very disappointed in him. We stood in the sun and rain for him, but we aren’t seeing what we voted him for,” lamented Elijah Tokpa, a youth from Foloblah in Electoral District #2. “We denied others the vote, thinking he would change the county for the better.”
Martin Kollie, another youth from Gbarnga, added: “We saw ambulances and convoys during the campaign, but now they are gone. If this isn’t deception, I don’t know what is. I am highly disappointed.”
Others went further, accusing Kpehe of surrounding himself with incompetent advisors. Nukai Kpangbai, a once ardent supporter, criticized on Facebook: “He is surrounded by non-innovative drunkards, money eaters, and people only running behind their guts.”
Critics have raised questions about several campaign promises, including:
Ambulances: Once paraded during the campaign, they are now noticeably absent, leaving residents questioning their whereabouts.
Agriculture and Fisheries Projects: Promised farms and fishery facilities remain unrealized.
Developmental Reports: Kpehe has yet to deliver comprehensive updates on his efforts, leaving many feelings disconnected from his leadership.
Stephen Kpakolo, a youth from Gbarnga, summed up the frustration: “There’s no report, no tangible development. We are disappointed in his leadership.”
Senator Kpehe’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Armstrong Doloyuwah, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He labeled the critics as “beggars” and insisted the senator remains committed to his promises.
“These allegations are far-fetched. Senator Kpehe has not abandoned his responsibilities and will not. School fees are being paid, jobs are being provided, roads are being rehabilitated, and medical supplies have been donated,” Doloyuwah said.
On the campaign convoy, Doloyuwah added: “How does a long convoy impact the lives of our people? That claim is frivolous and irrelevant to development.”
Regarding the promised ambulance hub, Doloyuwah explained that construction has been delayed due to technical issues raised by the Bong County Health Team.
Bong County Health Team Administrator Sam T.G. Siakor confirmed advising Senator Kpehe to delay the ambulance hub’s construction in favor of establishing sub-stations across the county.
“It’s better to construct stations in Botota, Forquelleh, Sanoyea, and Fuamah so patients can receive quicker responses,” Siakor explained. Construction is expected to begin next year, following the submission of a new blueprint to Senator Kpehe this December.
While some of Kpehe’s supporters believe it’s too early to judge his performance, others argue that his perceived lack of progress could jeopardize his political ambitions.
As criticism mounts, Senator Kpehe faces the dual challenge of rebuilding trust and delivering on his promises. Whether his leadership will ultimately align with the expectations of Bong County residents remains uncertain.
By J. Peter S. Dennis, Correspondent