Lawmakers of Montserrado County have given the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies a 48-hour ultimatum to release the county’s Social Development Funds (SDF) and provide a full account of the allocations.

The Montserrado County Legislative Caucus has asserted that it has not received its designated portion of the SDF for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. This statement directly contradicts President Joseph Boakai’s recent claim in the State of the Nation Address, where he stated that all counties had already received their funds.

In response, the Caucus accused the president’s administration of misleading the public about the disbursement of the funds.

$500,000 Allegedly Diverted Without Consent

The lawmakers further disclosed a troubling issue regarding $500,000, reportedly allocated to Montserrado County by Firestone, which has allegedly been diverted without their knowledge. They are demanding an explanation from the Ministry of Finance about the funds’ whereabouts and a full disclosure of all related payments to the county.

“We were informed by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning about a $500,000 allotment for Montserrado County from Firestone, but it was later revealed that the funds were redirected without our consent,” the lawmakers stated.

This revelation has sparked public outcry, with the lawmakers pointing to possible corruption and mismanagement within the government’s financial handling.

Next Steps: Pressure Mounts for Immediate Action

Facing mounting pressure from their constituents, the Montserrado County Legislative Caucus has outlined a series of actions it plans to take if the funds are not released within the given 48-hour window. These actions include summoning all concessionaires involved with the SDF allocation for 2023-2024, holding a live public hearing to investigate potential mismanagement, and requesting a full audit of all payments made by concessionaires from the General Auditing Commission (GAC).

Additionally, the lawmakers plan to submit a petition on behalf of Montserrado County residents demanding the overdue funds and will request a detailed financial report from the bank regarding Montserrado County’s SDF transactions for the years 2023 and 2024.

The lawmakers emphasized that failure to meet these demands will result in further actions.

Accusations of Corruption and Mismanagement

The Caucus has also accused unnamed government officials of deliberately withholding Montserrado’s funds. They pointed out that while other counties have received their allocations, Montserrado has been left out.

“The fact that some counties have received their funds while Montserrado remains excluded is clear evidence of corruption. This must end immediately!” the statement declared.

The lawmakers condemned what they described as financial mismanagement, urging the government to prioritize proper handling of development funds to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation process.

Growing Public Frustration

The delay in releasing the Social Development Funds has ignited frustration among the residents of Montserrado County, who are now questioning the delays in vital community development projects. Lawmakers have reported heightened scrutiny from their constituents, who are demanding immediate answers and action.

“The SDF is meant for the people of Montserrado County. Any delay in its release impacts their well-being and development. We will not back down on securing what rightfully belongs to our people,” the lawmakers concluded in their statement.