By Andrew B. Weah
Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has described recent findings from an audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) as alarming, following the discovery that more than US$2 million was withdrawn from county accounts between 2018 and 2023 without adequate supporting documentation.
Speaking to journalists in Sanniquellie over the weekend, Superintendent Gono said the audit was commissioned by her administration as part of ongoing efforts to assess the county’s financial management systems and strengthen accountability in the handling of public resources.
According to Superintendent Gono, the decision to request the audit was driven by a commitment to transparency and good governance.
She emphasized that the exercise was not intended to target any individual or institution but rather to identify weaknesses in existing financial procedures and recommend corrective measures.
“The purpose of the audit was to evaluate how county resources have been managed and to ensure greater transparency and accountability moving forward,” Gono stated.
The audit report revealed that more than US$2 million in cash withdrawals were made from county accounts during the review period without sufficient documentation linking the expenditures to specific projects, goods, or services.
The findings have raised serious concerns regarding compliance with established public financial management regulations.
Superintendent Gono acknowledged the gravity of the findings, noting that the absence of supporting records undermines accountability and public confidence in the management of county resources.
She disclosed that her administration has already begun implementing several recommendations outlined in the GAC report aimed at strengthening financial oversight and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Among the measures being introduced are enhanced internal financial controls, stricter documentation requirements, and the migration of county procurement activities to the government’s electronic procurement platform.
The platform is expected to improve transparency, reduce opportunities for misuse of funds, and ensure better monitoring of public expenditures.
The Nimba County Superintendent further revealed that the audit findings will be thoroughly reviewed with members of the Nimba County Legislative Caucus and other key stakeholders before any additional actions are taken.
She stressed that collaboration among county authorities, lawmakers, and citizens would be essential in addressing the issues identified by the audit and restoring public trust in local governance.
“Our goal is to build a stronger county and ensure accountability for our people,” Gono emphasized during the engagement with reporters.
The audit findings have since generated widespread discussion across Nimba County, with residents and community leaders calling for increased transparency, stronger oversight mechanisms, and greater accountability in the management of public funds.
Many citizens have welcomed the publication of the audit report, describing it as an important step toward uncovering weaknesses in county financial operations and promoting responsible governance.
Governance observers believe that the full implementation of the GAC’s recommendations could significantly improve financial management practices in Nimba County and help restore public confidence in the administration of county resources.
The findings are expected to remain a major topic of public discourse in the county as stakeholders review the report and consider measures aimed at strengthening accountability and safeguarding public funds.
