GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY — Bong County District Two Representative James Kolleh is facing potential legal consequences due to his alleged failure to pay a USD 10,000 land fund. The dispute centers around land owned by Orando Zarwolo, a well-known businessman turned politician, which is currently the site of the Lelekpayea Community Market.
Zarwolo asserts that Kolleh committed to providing this sum from a $50,000 budget designated for the new construction of the market during a County Emergency Sitting. Despite Kolleh’s assurances, Zarwolo reports that the promised payment has yet to be received.
Zarwolo explained that Kolleh had indicated that the funds would be disbursed following the groundbreaking ceremony of the market project, which is currently being developed by the Saikei Group of Companies, under the leadership of Cooper S. Korlah. In light of the ongoing situation, Zarwolo has threatened to pursue legal action against Kolleh unless the payment is made promptly.
The market construction is a legislative initiative that Kolleh has undertaken in collaboration with the county administration. When approached for comment through calls and text messages, Representative Kolleh failed to comment on the matter until publication.
However, in response to the situation, Bong County Administrative Officer Samuel Elliott Sr. and Financial Officer Silas Tokpah have expressed their intentions to clarify the county’s stance on the allocation for the market. Tokpah confirmed that the project originated from Kolleh’s initiative, yet he sought to distance the county from the land dispute. He assured that the matter would receive attention following consultations with Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris.
