IPNEWS-BUCHANAN CITY, Liberia: Residents of Electoral District #3C in Grand Bassa County are demanding that their lawmaker, Representative Alfred H. Flomo, return an alleged US$12,000 withdrawn from the district’s Community Forest account, escalating a dispute that has stirred tension across several towns.
Community members say the money belongs to the Community Forest Management Body (CFMB), the legally established institution responsible for managing forest resources and revenues on behalf of affected communities in Districts 3C and 3B.
The CFMB, headed by J. Max Kpelleh, is mandated under Liberia’s Community Rights Law of 2009 to develop and implement community forest management plans, oversee forest governance rules, negotiate concessions, and manage income, compensation and benefits derived from forest resources. The body reports to the Community Assembly and operates under the supervision of the Executive Committee.
Residents argue that any withdrawal from the account must follow procedures approved by the CFMB and the Community Assembly.
However, during an appearance on Radio Wee, Representative Flomo admitted that he withdrew the money but claimed he later handed it over to Senator Gbehzohngar M. Findley.
Speaking on the program hosted by Higgins Tokpah, the lawmaker said:
“The 12 thousand was received by me. And I said I took that money because Senator Findley and myself were trying to settle the dispute. I took the 12,500 and gave it to Senator Findley and I said, ‘Big brother, please keep it for me.’”
When pressed by the host about whether he was aware that Community Forest Management Board regulations forbid lawmakers or politicians from handling community forest funds, Representative Flomo acknowledged that he knew about the restriction but insisted he took the money only for “safe keeping.”
In a formal letter circulated among local authorities, citizens called for the immediate return of the funds.
“We are calling on Hon. Alfred H. Flomo to return the US$12,000 withdrawn from the Community Forest account,” the letter stated.
The communication was copied to Senator Gbehzohngar M. Findley, Representative Thomas A. Goshua of District #5, Superintendent Kardya Johnson, District #3C Commissioner Roland Tiah and several local elders, signaling that the matter has moved beyond informal complaints.
When contacted, Senator Findley stated that contrary to 12k reported the total money received by the aggrieved communities was 47,500 USD. He said indeed he was approach about the seriousness of the crisis and advice Rep. Flomo to mediate between the parties which led to the parties themselves withdrawing the funds from their account.
He told IPNEWS that an initial 35,00.00 was earlier withdrew by the community prior to Rep. Flomo’s mediation of the 12,000.00
Senator Findley further noted that the situation was turning messy when he and Rep. Flomo intervene for tranquility.
“The 12,000.00 in question was never withdrew by Rep, Flomo, instead the District community people withdrew it themselves and brought it to Rep. Flomo who in turn inform me while I was out of the country, Upon my arrival I call for a meeting to which the parties attended that the money would not be distributed until the other parties have agreed that no other money would be disbursed without proper accountability of the initial 35,000.00 withdrawn. The larger group of protesting parties agreed to equally divide the money with the arrived party but refused leading to another round of confusion in the district.”
“Since the withdrawal of the total 47,500 from the community Forest Account by leaders of the community, we are yet to see any development implemented as required by the forest management laws.
We had to immediately get involved because the matter was reaching crisis proportion with sides threatening to unleash tribal war. “ Senator Findley told IPNEWS.
In another passage, the letter accused the lawmaker of failing to engage with the community.
“We have repeatedly sought explanation for the unlawful withdrawal, but he has refused to respond to our calls,” it said.
The dispute intensified after a leaked audio recording circulated in which community members voiced frustration over what they described as unanswered calls and requests for clarification.
In the recording, one resident can be heard saying, “We have been asking him to explain why he withdrew the money, but he refuses to answer us.”
Several community representatives said they have been holding meetings in Buchanan with county authorities to press for intervention. Some warned that if the funds are not returned or properly accounted for, residents could stage public protests.
“We will not sit quietly while our development money disappears,” one participant at a recent meeting said. “If he does not return the money, the people will speak in the streets.”
For many in District #3C, the community forest fund represents one of the few direct sources of income for local development projects, compensation arrangements and sustainable forest management activities.
The controversy now poses a significant political challenge for the lawmaker as calls for transparency grow louder and residents insist that the management of community forest resources must remain accountable to the people they are meant to serve.
