SANNIQUELLIE — Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has described the General Auditing Commission’s (GAC) recent compliance audit findings as alarming and troubling, saying they reveal serious financial and administrative irregularities in the county administration between 2018 and 2023.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
The audit links more than US$12 million in unaccounted County Social Development Funds including money from ArcelorMittal Liberia and national government allocations to former superintendents.
Among them is David Dorr Cooper, who served as superintendent during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Nelson N. Korquoi, who served as superintendent during the administration of former President George Manneh Weah.
The funds remain unaccounted for, the report says. Speaking to reporters in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Supt. Gono said the audit was launched shortly after her administration took office to assess county financial systems and strengthen accountability.
She rejected claims that the audit targeted former officials politically, noting that past county officials had been invited to participate but many failed to appear when requested.
Among the report’s most disturbing findings, Supt. Gono highlighted the withdrawals of more than US$2 million made over the counter from county accounts with no evidence that goods or services were provided.
She termed those transactions as among the most shocking discoveries in the report and said such practices must never occur in any county administration.
Supt. Gono emphasized that the audit covers multiple administrations and is intended to identify weaknesses and improve transparency rather than serve as a political attack.
She said the findings will be discussed with the Nimba Legislative Caucus and other stakeholders before any legal or administrative actions are decided.
Her administration has already begun implementing several of the audit’s recommendations, including stronger financial controls and participation in the government’s e-procurement system to enhance transparency.
“Our focus is to build a stronger county because our people need development and deserve accountability,” Supt. Gono said.
Meanwhile, the audit report is expected to be reviewed by the legislature, which may determine the next course of action.
