BY: Jerromie S. Walters & Shallon S. Gonlor
Monrovia, August 11, 2024: Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has been officially inducted as Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia.
This prestigious role adds to her ongoing leadership as Superintendent, where she has been redefining and repositioning the office as a model of effective governance across the country.
The induction took place in Monrovia following a week-long National Orientation Workshop in Ganta last week, aimed at empowering local leaders with the tools necessary to implement the Local Government Act, which emphasizes decentralization.
Superintendent Gono’s election and subsequent induction into this key leadership position is a testament to her unwavering dedication and visionary approach to governance.
Superintendent Gono, who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to elevating Nimba County, proudly accepted her new role. Her leadership continues to inspire, and her efforts have set a new standard for superintendents across Liberia.
As she takes on this expanded responsibility, Superintendent Gono remains focused on fostering development, inclusivity, and progress within Nimba County and beyond.
Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono’s elevation to Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia marks a new chapter in her ongoing mission to serve the people of Nimba County and contribute to the broader development goals of the nation.
The Nimba County Superintendent was unanimously endorsed by her colleagues recently as the National Chairperson of the Superintendent Council of Liberia.
Meanwhile, J. Foday Kiatamba of Grand Cape Mount and Mike Swengbe of Rivergee were selected as National Chairpersons for Administration and Operation respectively.
Others named are Whroway Bryant as Secretary General, Sam K. Zinnah as Financial Secretary, Victoria W. Duncan as Treasurer, and Miatta E. Dorley as Chaplain General.
The newly elected officials of the Country’s Superintendent Council will head the organization for three years after which a new election will be held.
Converged in Ganta a week ago, Supt. Gono was elected as the result of a white ballot during the National Orientation Workshop of County Administrations and Elections of Leadership of the National Council of Chiefs, Superintendents, and City Mayors respectively.
Organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and partners, the week-long national orientation was held under the Theme: “Building a New Liberia Through Decentralization.
The Liberia National Superintendent Council facilitates collaboration among all superintendents, allowing them to coordinate efforts, discuss policies, and advocate for local governance and development issues at a national level.
The council plays a crucial role in shaping and influencing policies that affect the counties, ensuring that local concerns are represented in Liberia’s broader political and administrative landscape.
The last Superintendent Council election was held in March 2019 with former Grand Bassa County Superintendent Jaijay Baikpeh being elected as Chairperson.
This significant achievement, which comes after more than a decade, highlights the growing influence and leadership of Superintendent Gono, both within Nimba County and among her peers across Liberia.
Superintendent Gono’s election is a landmark moment for Nimba County, marking the first time since 2011 that a Nimba Superintendent has held the prestigious position.
The last person from Nimba to serve in this capacity was Superintendent Edith Gongloe Weh, who chaired the council from 2009 to 2011.
Superintendent Gono’s new role as Chairperson is seen as a testament to her leadership abilities, which have earned her the respect and confidence of her fellow superintendents.
Under Superintendent Gono’s stewardship, Nimba County has taken significant strides in governance, development, and community engagement, all of which have contributed to her peers’ decision to elect her to this influential role.
Her election is not just a personal achievement but a victory for Nimba County as a whole, as it reclaims its rightful place in the community of counties in Liberia.
As Chairperson of the Superintendent Council, Superintendent Gono will be responsible for leading discussions and coordinating efforts among the superintendents of Liberia’s 15 counties, advocating for policies that benefit local governance and development across the nation.
Her new position places her at the forefront of county-level administration in Liberia, where she will have a platform to influence national policy and champion the needs and interests of Nimbaians.
This historic election underscores the trust and admiration Superintendent Gono has garnered within the council and highlights the growing recognition of Nimba’s pivotal role in the broader political and developmental narrative of Liberia. As she steps into this new chapter of leadership, the people of Nimba, and indeed Liberia, will be looking to Superintendent Gono to continue her exemplary work, now on a national stage.
