BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County — A storm of public outrage is sweeping through Grand Bassa County as Representative Clarence Banks of District #2 unveils what he describes as a “national embarrassment” millions of dollars from the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) disbursed under former President George Weah’s administration have resulted in little more than broken promises and half-finished projects.
Representative Banks via local media in the county, Ableejay Radio and TV laid out a disturbing list of incomplete and poorly executed projects, despite substantial amounts already paid:
- Blaygbahn Bridge: Budgeted at $117,970 — only $40,263.16 reportedly paid, bridge remains incomplete.
- Dlahn Bridge: $322,559 disbursed — project still less than 60% completed.
- Yeabloe Market: $49,380 allocated; $42,078 paid — market never completed.
- Boglay Clinic: Estimated at $129,889; $88,315 paid — clinic still without a roof.
These revelations, according to Rep. Banks, stemmed from an official tour conducted by his office across project sites in the district. Notably, the tour was reportedly presided over by none other than Moses Henry, the former head of the Project Management Committee (PMC) the very body accused of presiding over the mismanagement.
In what some critics have described as ironic, Rep. Banks presented a drum of fuel and one hundred and ninety U.S. dollars (US$190) to Mr. Henry to assist with the tour logistics.
Grand Bassa receives $1 million annually from ArcelorMittal Liberia for development under the CSDF, but residents say there is little to show on the ground. Representative Banks did not mince words, branding the situation as a “deliberate betrayal of public trust.”
Even more alarming is the fact that individuals who oversaw these failed projects have been elevated under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
- Moses Henry, the former PMC head, is now Assistant Superintendent for Development in Grand Bassa.
- Uriah Bryant, another ex-PMC official, has been appointed Assistant Minister for Commerce.
“These appointments are a slap in the face to the people of Grand Bassa,” one frustrated caller said. “How can those who oversaw waste and failure be rewarded with national roles?”
Citizens and community leaders alike are now demanding urgent audits and criminal investigations by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). A long time political activist Togar Alexander Bealded says these actions will send shockwaves in the county and bring to an end systemic corruption that has eroded growth and development.
“When you talk about these things, you’re insulted or labeled as jealous,” Bealded said. “But this isn’t jealousy it’s righteous anger over wasted opportunities.”
Representative Banks says he will push for a full legislative inquiry and is calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other national agencies to take action.
“This cannot be swept under the rug,” Banks said. “The people of Grand Bassa deserve answers and they deserve justice.”
As citizens rally around this call for accountability, pressure is mounting on the Boakai administration to explain its appointments and ensure that future CSDF funds are transparently and effectively used.
The question echoing across Buchanan and beyond is simple but powerful:
“Where did the money go?”
