By: Kongoi Gborkorquellie – kongoigborkorquellie1997@gmail.com
BONG COUNTY – Some residents of Bong County staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday morning at the Gbarnga Presidential Palace, demanding benefits they claim were promised after providing two weeks of labor on the ongoing renovation project.
The protesters alleged that Mr. John Kolliemine, the Bong-based head of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), encouraged them to offer voluntary services at the construction site.
According to the residents, while the work was described as voluntary, they were assured of possible compensation upon completion, with some even hopeful of being formally employed by the contractor overseeing the renovation.
The residents said they carried out tasks including brushing overgrown grass, hoeing, digging the foundation for the perimeter fence, fetching water, and offloading cement blocks, all without food or financial support.
When asked if they had signed a formal contract, the protesters admitted no agreement was documented but insisted they were motivated by verbal promises of daily compensation ranging from L$1,000 to US$10 or potential employment on the project.
Several of the residents vowed to stage a larger protest and disrupt ongoing work at the palace if their demands, which they described as “just benefits,” were not met. Many cited the country’s challenging economic situation and their urgent need for livelihood opportunities as reasons for their frustration.
During the protest, demonstrators blocked the road leading to the palace construction site, chanting, “We want our money!” They also threatened further demonstrations if their concerns were ignored.
When contacted, Mr. Kolliemine declined to comment, telling journalists in a live video: “No comment.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ansu Sesay, Chief Executive Officer of Sesay Brothers Construction Company, the contractor awarded the renovation project, distanced himself from the claims. He said he was unaware that the residents had begun working at the site.
“Some weeks ago, when I visited the site, I found them working and asked how they got there. John Kolliemine told me they were volunteering. I made it clear that nobody should work there without my consent because I am responsible for the project,” Sesay explained.
He added that while he appreciated the residents’ efforts and assured them of possible preference if additional workers were needed, he never promised any compensation as alleged.
The renovation of the Gbarnga Presidential Palace—originally constructed during the regime of former President Charles Taylor but left abandoned after former President George Weah’s 2018 inauguration—was recently reactivated under the administration of Joseph Boakai.
The Bong County Administration allocated US$300,000 for the project, with US$280,000 approved by the County Council in April of this year.
The Presidential Palace traditionally serves as the official residence of the Liberian President. As of press time, the Bong County Administration had not issued a statement regarding the protest.
