Monrovia – Representative Bernard Blue Benson of District 17, Montserrado County, has raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of Montserrado County’s Social Development Funds (SDF) and is demanding an independent audit to uncover the whereabouts of the money.
Rep. Benson criticized the government for failing to allocate funds to Montserrado County for the past two years, despite substantial payments made by concession companies. He claimed that while other counties are using these resources to improve local infrastructure, Montserrado remains without support.
“We have not received a single penny from the Social Development Funds while millions of dollars have been paid by concessions for district development,” Rep. Benson said. “Other counties are making progress, but Montserrado is being denied what is rightfully ours.”
Calling for immediate action, he urged the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a detailed investigation into how the funds have been managed. He also requested the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to summon both former and current officials connected to the administration of Montserrado County’s SDF.
Rep. Benson also referenced President Joseph Boakai’s recent State of the Nation Address, where the President indicated that all Social Development and County Development Funds had been disbursed. According to Benson, Montserrado County remains an exception, raising suspicions of financial misconduct.
“There is clear evidence that something is wrong. Development in our district comes from our own pockets because the funds meant to support these efforts are being diverted elsewhere,” he asserted.
Rep. Benson’s call for an audit comes amid growing concerns from citizens who have questioned the absence of visible development initiatives in Montserrado County. The demand for an investigation adds to increasing pressure on the Boakai administration to ensure greater transparency and accountability in managing public resources.