Harper, Maryland County — Former Maryland County Superintendent George A. Prowd has called for a county-wide conference aimed at calming rising political tensions and fostering unity ahead of the 2029 elections, a call that has since generated mixed reactions from citizens on social media.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.
In a statement issued Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Prowd expressed concern over what he described as “toxic politics” gradually taking over Maryland County. According to him, political divisions have become increasingly visible both on social media platforms and within communities across the county.
“It goes without saying that toxic politics have taken over our county. It’s visible on Facebook and in action on the ground,” Prowd stated. “Public condemnations, insults and sometimes threats to one another have become the order of the day.”
He noted that political camps have already begun forming ahead of the 2029 elections, creating tensions and divisions among citizens.
Reflecting on past peace efforts, Prowd referenced the late Bishop Boniface Nyema Dalieh, who previously convened members of the Maryland County Legislative Caucus to address similar tensions.
“This takes my mind far back to the time of late Bishop Boniface Nyema Dalieh when he called and assembled members of our County Legislative Caucus to a peace talk,” Prowd said, adding that the current situation has escalated and requires urgent intervention.
He raised key questions, including who could emerge to play a similar peace-building role and whether a Maryland Conference could be convened to address the growing tensions.
“Let us ponder on these questions and advance a way forward to ease and calm tensions that have characterized divisions, hate, indiscipline and disrespect amongst us,” he added.
Prowd concluded by urging unity and peace across the county.
“We must never forget Maryland County is all we have. I come in peace,” he stated.
Following the statement, several citizens took to social media to respond, with some supporting the initiative while others questioned past leadership decisions.
Mark Thompson welcomed the call, emphasizing patriotism and reconciliation.
“We, as Marylanders, need to take this into consideration. Patriotism is the most amazing thing any citizen will officially offer to his or her origin or country. Our county has been polluted by political leaders who claim to be honest and trustworthy to our people,” Thompson said.
Similarly, Alfred Toe Wilson backed the proposal, stressing that reconciliation should not be delayed.
“My people, there is no special time for reconciliation or time for conferences, so we as Marylanders need to do so. I don’t want us to shift blame. Reconciliation is the key to unity,” Wilson stated.
However, another citizen, Tumu Boniface Nelson, questioned Prowd’s past actions, referencing an alleged refusal of hospital equipment during his tenure as superintendent.
“Did you call for conference when you as Superintendent refused hospital equipment that could have been used by our people of the same Maryland County?” Nelson asked.
In response, former Superintendent Prowd dismissed the claim as misinformation, explaining that the issue at the time involved campaign activities on hospital grounds rather than rejection of equipment.
“Firstly, your information is wrong. There was no hospital equipment at the time the Rescue Mission went on the J.J. Dossen Hospital grounds to campaign. Our position was that the hospital premises were not proper for campaign activities,” Prowd clarified.
He further defended his record, stating that several citizens’ meetings were held during his administration to resolve tribal conflicts, land disputes, and boundary issues across Maryland County.
“My witnesses are citizens across the length and breadth of the county. You can call from your residence in Europe to ask what kind of superintendent I was,” he added.
Prowd also questioned opposition to the proposed peace conference.
“It is puzzling to see persons being opposed to a peace conference. Should it be about war before you can agree that we need to talk peace?” he said.
The call for a Maryland Peace Conference continues to generate debate, with many citizens urging stakeholders to move quickly to organize dialogue ahead of the 2029 elections.
