Emmanuel Ballah – Bong County Correspondent
BONG COUNTY – The Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Aaron Juaquellie, has threatened to take legal action against the Bong County Administration and the County Council if they proceed with plans to renovate the Presidential Palace in Gbarnga.
Speaking on Radio Gbarnga’s Political Forum on Friday in Gbarnga, Bong County, Mr. Juaquellie asserted that the renovation of the facility is the sole responsibility of the Executive Branch of Government—specifically, the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. He argued that such work should not be financed using county development funds.
“You cannot take the extension of the Executive Mansion and use our money to renovate it. And let me be clear, that place is an extension of the Executive Mansion; we as citizens cannot go there to hold programs,” he said.
Mr. Juaquellie emphasized that the Ministry already has a designated national budget to maintain presidential properties and warned against what he called the misapplication of funds intended for local development initiatives.
“The current budget includes US$20 million for the Ministry of State. Where will that money go?” he questioned.
The controversy follows an emergency session of the Bong County Council held on April 7, 2025. During the session, the Council—chaired by Mr. Aaron Sackie-Fenlah—approved US$280,700 for the renovation project. The proposal had been submitted by Superintendent Loleyah Hawah Norris, who had initially requested US$315,000.
Both officials described the project as an emergency and a high priority for the county, emphasizing the need for swift execution.
However, Mr. Juaquellie rejected that justification, arguing that the renovation does not align with the county’s development agenda, which was crafted based on priorities set by local residents.
“This is the County Development Agenda of Bong County: 25 validated, prioritized projects. We have infrastructure development, and under that category, there is no mention of housing. The county development fund should be used to address the needs of local communities—not to take on the responsibilities of the Ministry of State,” he stated.
He is now urging the County Administration and the Council to reconsider their decision and redirect the funds toward community-centered projects that offer tangible benefits to citizens. He warned that failure to comply will result in a lawsuit.
