President Joseph Boakai has officially inducted Chief Arthur Dowah of Bong County as the new Chairperson of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders, in accordance with the Local Government Act of 2018.
The induction, which took place over the weekend, was clouded by threats from Chief Zanzan Kawor, who warned of serious consequences following statements by Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin that the National Traditional Council is no longer in existence.
Minister Nyumalin recently clarified that under the reformed Local Government Act, there is no provision for Chief Zanzan Kawor and other members of the previous Traditional Council.
He emphasized that the Council headed by Chief Kawor ceased to exist with the enactment of the 2024 Local Government Act, which established the new National Council of Chiefs and Elders.
Minister Nyumalin further assured that no threats would deter the government from adhering to the law, which was enacted with the consultation of key traditional leaders and elders across the country.
As a result, on Friday, August 9, 2024, Minister Nyumalin announced Chief Dowah as the new Chairperson of the National Chiefs and Elders Council, effectively ending Zanzan Kawor’s decades-long leadership.
The election, held over the weekend in Gompa City, Nimba County, saw Chief Dowah elected alongside two other chiefs from River Cess and Maryland counties for a two-year term, breaking the precedent set by Chief Kawor’s over 10-year tenure.
The traditional leaders have pledged to work in accordance with the Local Government Act of 2018, promulgated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to ensure its successful implementation.
Chief Dowah faced strong competition from Bob Kofi Zarh of River Cess and Nelson Neal of Maryland County for the position of National Chairperson of the Council of Chiefs in Liberia.
Chief Rolla Garmhon of Grand Gedeh County emerged victorious as the Vice Chair for Peace Building and National Reconciliation, defeating Chief Haji A. Somba, Chief Ballah Gotomue, and Chief Jacob Gboyah of Grand Bassa in the race for National Vice Chairperson for Culture and Traditional Affairs.
Meanwhile, Chief Zanzan Kawor and his team have vowed to resist the government’s decision, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the responsibilities entrusted to them by the traditional community.
They have expressed determination to continue serving the elders and preserving Liberia’s cultural heritage.
This development has raised concerns about the governance of traditional leadership and respect for established tenures.
Many expressed surprise and disappointment at the Minister’s decision over the weekend, calling for an emergency meeting of the traditional council nationwide.
“We stand united in defending our cultural heritage and the integrity of our traditional institutions. The Bassa people, alongside other concerned citizens, will remain vigilant and steadfast in ensuring that justice prevails and that our leaders are allowed to serve their full terms as mandated by our tribal people,” an elder assured.
Meanwhile, it was agreed and all 15 representatives elected Gbarnga City Mayor, Gallah K. Varpilah, as chairman and Grand Cape Mount Mayor Thomas Massaquoi as a secretary general respectively.
Nimba Superintendent Kou Gono was elected council chairman on white ballot while the workshop on the local government act ended on Friday, August 9, 2024.