The Office of Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh has dismissed claims that it provided LD 3,000 directly to Neakei Town in Gouwonlala District, clarifying that no funds were distributed to any individual town.
In a statement, the office explained that under its annual Christmas and New Year outreach program, it approved LD 40,000 per clan for the 2025 festive season. District coordinators were assigned to deliver the funds to officially recognized clan elders, who then managed the distribution.
According to the statement, the outreach was implemented across all six administrative districts of Gbarpolu County, with support reaching elders, women, and youth groups. The office further noted that recognized district authorities have already rejected a letter circulating on social media and distanced both the town and the clan from the alleged claim.
While emphasizing that the constitutional responsibilities of a senator primarily involve legislation, representation, and oversight, the office acknowledged that prevailing social conditions often necessitate humanitarian interventions.
Office records show that in 2024, Senator Konneh spent approximately US$47,000 and LD 2.176 million on citizen welfare initiatives. In 2025, an additional US$37,496 and LD 1.355 million were expended to support healthcare services, education, cultural programs, and household assistance throughout the county.
Combined, these contributions amount to US$84,496 and LD 3.531 million over a two-year period. The office noted that these figures exclude an additional US$50,000 used to facilitate the mobilization of school and medical supplies valued at about US$1 million, which were distributed to schools and health facilities in early 2025.
The office stressed that it does not publicize beneficiary names or locations, describing the assistance as humanitarian support rather than development projects. It also urged young people in Gbarpolu County not to be influenced by unverified political claims and encouraged direct engagement with the office to resolve concerns.
However, residents of Neakei Town have maintained that they received LD 3,000 during the distribution process, which they later decided to return to the senator’s office. The Office of Senator Konneh has since confirmed receipt of the returned funds.
