Elder Council wants Boakai to withdraw appointment in Gbarma

Elders’ Council wants President Boakai to withdraw appointment in Gbarma district.

By Naneka A. Hoffman

Gbarpolu, Liberia, April 26, 2024—The elders’ council of Kongba Development Association in Gbarpolu County is appealing to President Joseph Boakai to withdraw Melvin Mara’s appointment as Administrative Officer of Gbarma Statutory District in Gbarpolu County because of his alleged rude behavior.

Speaking at a news conference recently on Bushrod Island, over the weekend in Monrovia, the chairman of the elders council of the Kongba Development Association, Rev. Joseph Amah, revealed that Mr. Melvin Mara does not have regard for the county’s elders and women, as he is allegedly always in the habit of ranting insults at citizens.

Rev. Amah pointed out that Melvin, who the President appointed as the Administrative Officer of the Gbarma Statutory District, lacks the requisite qualifications because he cannot read or write, so he cannot serve in the position.

“The only thing Melvin Mara knows best to his ability is to be running behind politicians in the county and insulting people, including elders, women, and the young people of the county,” he said.

Rev. Amah revealed that he was a victim of Melvin’s rude behavior in 2017 because he refused to support then-Senator Amah Jallah.

“This young man didn’t play with me. He said anything that he thought he could say to satisfy himself, something which aggravated two of my relatives and wanted to jump on him for a fight, but I had to tell them to leave him alone”, he recalled.

The elder council chairman blamed Senators Botoe Karnneh and Amara Konneh, who he said allegedly recommended Melvin Mara to President Boakai for the position despite being fully aware of his attitude and behaviors in the county.

“I will particularly blame Senator Botoe Karnneh; she knows this guy very well and the character associated with him, so you chose to recommend him to President Joseph N. Boakai for an appointment. It is saddening for the well-schooled and educated people of Gbarpolu County”, he lamented.

Rev. Amah wondered how Melvin would handle issues confronting the people of the area, given his inability to identify the first letter of the alphabet.

Hence, he wants President Boakai to please do what is needed by withdrawing Melvin Mara’s appointment.

The elder council chair said he is not against the appointment of officials by President Joseph Boakia, be it in Gbarpolu County or across the country, but that such appointment (s) should not bring shame and disgrace to the country and its people. Editing by Jonathan Browne