January 8,2026
ZWEDRU, GRAND GEDEH – A heated political debate has erupted in Grand Gedeh County following controversial remarks made by District #2 Representative, Hon. Marie G. Johnson, regarding the professional qualifications of her constituents.
Speaking during a “Thank You” tour across the district, Representative Johnson expressed deep disappointment, stating that Konobo District currently lacks citizens with the necessary qualifications to fill available job openings.
Hon. Johnson revealed that her office has successfully negotiated several employment slots with various government Ministries and Agencies.
However, she claimed that despite these efforts, she has been unable to find “qualified persons” within the district to recommend for these positions.
The lawmaker asserted that positions are currently available but remain unfilled due to a skills gap.
She urged the youth and middle-aged residents of Konobo to prioritize education and vocational training.
Johnson specifically highlighted the upcoming reopening of the Putu Iron Ore Mining Company, warning that locals must be “prepared and qualified” to benefit from the revitalized mining sector.
LOCAL BACKLASH AND DEMAND FOR APOLOGY
The lawmaker’s comments have met swift and fierce resistance from local leaders and youth advocates. On Tuesday, January 6, Bobby M. Kargbah, a prominent son of Konobo District, appeared on Smile FM’s Sunrise News Magazine to issue a sharp rebuttal.
Kargbah described the Representative’s statement as an insult to the intellectuals and hardworking citizens of the district. He is formally calling on Hon. Marie Johnson to:
Apologize to the people of Konobo District.
Retract her statement immediately, arguing that there are many capable professionals in both the private and public sectors who hail from the region.
DEVELOPING STORY
The Representative’s office has not yet responded to the calls for an apology. As the Putu Iron Ore project nears its restart, the debate over local content and workforce readiness is expected to remain a central issue in Grand Gedeh politics.
