By: Ben TC Brooks
River Gee County | March 19, 2026 | River Gee County has commemorated its 26th anniversary with a vibrant mix of celebration and reflection, marked by strong appeals for unity, transparent governance, and inclusive development.
The celebrations, which officially concluded on March 16, 2026 featured a colorful street parade through Fish-Town followed by an indoor program and a groundbreaking, brought together citizens from across Liberia and the diaspora, alongside government officials, traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.
Delivering the keynote address, River Gee County former Superintendent Philip Jah called on citizens and leaders to place peace, reconciliation, and integrity at the center of the county’s development agenda.
He stressed that sustainable progress depends not only on resources but also on strong moral leadership and collective responsibility.
“If we are to achieve meaningful development, we must embrace peace, reconciliation, love, and unity,” Jah said.
“Transparency, accountability, and integrity must guide both our legislative caucus and local authorities.”
Reflecting on the county’s journey, Jah urged both leaders and residents to work together in advancing River Gee’s development priorities.
However, a key highlight of the event was the submission of a petition calling for the reinstatement of the leopard symbol on the county’s flag.
A Leopard is a versatile, solitary big cat known for its spotted coat, immense strength, and adaptability across Africa and Asia. It can climb trees with heavy prey, swim, and use stealth to ambush prey. Symbolically, they represent strength, independence, patience, and stealthy power.
The petition, presented by Jasper Sheriff Tweh, Chairman of the county flag review Committee, reflects concerns among residents who believe the removal of the symbol represents a loss of historical identity.
Elders and long-time residents recalled that the leopard emblem was part of the original flag but disappeared following the death of the County Former Senator Nathaniel J. Williams, widely regarded as the county’s founding figure.
The current flag features blue and green colors symbolizing natural resources and fertile land, along with a tree representing forest and Agriculture reserves and a rising sun signifying hope and new beginnings.
Responding on behalf of the county legislative caucus, Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh welcomed the petition and assured citizens that it would be reviewed and forwarded for legislative action.
In another related development initiative, county authorities broke ground for the construction of a US$150,000 Executive Guest House.
Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe described the project as a necessary step toward improving the county’s ability to host official visitors.
“It has long been a challenge that we lack proper accommodation for government guests,” Swengbe noted. “We often rely on private facilities or send visitors to nearby cities such as Pleebo or Harper.”
He added that the project is expected to boost local economic activity and create employment opportunities upon completion.
However, officials have yet to clearly disclose the project’s funding source.
River Gee County, created from Grand Gedeh County in 2000, continues to reflect on its journey of growth and transformation over the past 26 years.
The county’s establishment was signed into law on March 16, 2000, by former President Charles G. Taylor.
As part of the anniversary, special tribute was paid to the county’s political godfather, Nathaniel J. Williams, popularly known as “Tweh-Jay-Klay,” along with other patriots who fought for the county’s creation.
Many of these figures sacrificed greatly in pursuit of self-governance and dignity for the people of River Gee as their legacy continues to inspire present and future generations.
Twenty-six years after its establishment, River Gee County stands at a point of reflection and renewed ambition.
Despite having a population of just over 124,000, according to the 2022 census by the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services, River Gee County has made notable strides in governance and service delivery in recent years, but many said these gains are being overshadowed by growing concerns over a large number of abandoned government projects across the county.
Reports indicate that several key development projects, initiated as far back as the first county administrations in 2006, remain incomplete or entirely neglected up to the present.
Among the affected projects are the County Executive Guest House, local offices of the Ministry of Education, Circuit and Magisterial Courts, compounds intended for commissioners and chiefs, and other administrative buildings.
Also included police and immigration depots, the Kanweaken and Fish-Town City Hall, among several others.
These lingering unfinished projects continue to raise questions about development planning, accountability, and the effective delivery of public services within the county.
River Gee County comprises 10 administrative districts, along with 3 electoral and 4 statutory districts, enhancing political representation.
The county has also recorded some measurable improvements in essential sectors.
There are six health districts with twenty facilities, including a referral hospital and two comprehensive health centers, while in education are six senior high schools alongside public, private, and faith-based institutions, plus a vocational training center
Agriculture, six agricultural districts supporting local livelihoods and food production
These developments highlight gradual but meaningful progress in expanding access to services and strengthening local institutions.
The anniversary celebration not only honored the past but also reinforced a collective commitment to unity, transparency, and inclusive development, values seen as essential for shaping the county’s future.
