Chairing the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, and Environment, Representative Jeremiah G. Sokan has used his platform to demand transparency, accountability, and tangible progress on the long-stalled Putu concession.
Since his election in April 2024, Sokan has made one thing clear: the era of neglect is over.
The abandoned Putu mine-located in District #1, was once expected to drive job creation and economic growth. Instead, it has become a symbol of unfulfilled promises in a region still waiting to benefit from its natural wealth.
“Our people are still waiting to benefit from their natural wealth,” Sokan said during a recent legislative hearing. “We need a clear path forward—not just promise.”
His firm stance on the Putu concession reflects a broader shift in local leadership-one that prioritizes both local empowerment and national responsibility in natural resource governance.
Infrastructure First: Roads and Renewable Energy
Sokan’s advocacy goes beyond national chambers and into the heart of his constituency.
In Zwedru and surrounding communities, he has spearheaded infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily life. Over the past year, key neighborhood roads have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and easing the movement of goods and residents.
In July 2025, he launched a district-wide solar streetlight initiative, installing more than 600 lights in markets, residential areas, police stations, and hard-to-reach towns.
“When a community is well-lit, it becomes safer, more active, and more hopeful,” Sokan said during the launch.
Residents have reported increased nighttime security, a boost to small business activity, and better overall mobility.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Investing in Education and Youth
Viewing education as the foundation for long-term development, Sokan has introduced several youth-centered initiatives.
On Liberia’s 178th Independence Day, he unveiled a digital learning center in Zwedru’s FDA Community. Plans are underway to equip the center with computers and high-speed Starlink internet, offering students access to modern research tools and online learning platforms.
He has also provided scholarships, organized free WASSCE tutorial sessions, and distributed essential learning materials to high school students across the district.
Staying Connected: Transparency and Community Engagement
Delivering on his pledge for accountable leadership, Sokan has remained a visible and engaged figure in District #1.
On July 24, 2025, he hosted a public legislative forum in Zwedru, presenting a report on his first-year activities and fielding questions from residents.
Beyond official duties, he has supported various groups through seasonal donations, including:
Disabled persons’ associations
Christian and Mandingo community councils
Youth organizations, including the Gorbo Youth Association
Local police units and campaign volunteers
These efforts blend immediate relief with long-term community investment, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive representation.
Rooted in Home: Returning to Toffoi Town
On July 18, Sokan visited his hometown of Toffoi in Kanneh Clan, where he distributed solar lamps and financial assistance to support local development.
“Giving back to where I come from is not just an obligation—it’s a calling,” he told residents. “Inclusive development starts at home.”
Looking Ahead: Ambitions for Year Two
Building on his first-year momentum, Sokan’s priorities for the coming year include:
Extending solar electrification to all 56 communities in District #1
Expanding access to clean water and sanitation
Supporting the nursing program at Grand Gedeh Community College
Increasing vocational training and scholarship opportunities
Advancing environmental protection and climate adaptation initiatives
He continues to lobby national ministries and development partners for investments to break the cycle of marginalization in Grand Gedeh.
A New Chapter for Grand Gedeh
From challenging national inaction on the Putu mine to lighting up remote towns and equipping students with digital tools, Rep. Jeremiah Sokan’s first year reflects a leadership style grounded in accountability, accessibility, and development.
As his work continues, many residents express cautious optimism—hopeful that this chapter marks the beginning of long-awaited transformation in Grand Gedeh County.
