--Citizens Demand Answers

Emotions have flared off amongst the people of Grand Gedeh County over the alleged mismanagement of over one hundred seventy three thousand United States Dollars, US$173.

Accusing fingers are being pointed at County officials, including Alex C. Grant and Philiph Joh, who are currently under pressure to provide explanation over claims surrounding expenditures disclosed in the county’s 2025 Budget Performance Report.

‎Senior citizen, Watson Chelley, raised the al the alarm after reviewing the report submitted to the County Council on January 31, 2026, questioning  the transparency and accountability of county spending, particularly funds allocated to sports activities and the  fencing project of the County’s Administrative Building.

‎A total of US$93,962, according to the report, was spent on Grand Gedeh’s county team during the 2024/2025 County Meet. He argues that the reported expenditure does not commensurate with the harsh conditions under which players participated in the tournament.

‎Among the concerns raised are allegations that players reportedly struggled with food, lacked adequate hostel accommodations, and did not consistently receive daily subsistence allowances (DSA), despite the substantial amount reportedly spent.

‎Senior citizen Chelly has questioned how nearly US$94,000 could have been expended without a detailed public accounting of how the funds were used, calling for county authorities to provide a comprehensive financial report.

‎There are also concerns about the county’s financial management structure, noting that Superintendent Alex C. Grant and County Financial Officer Philiph Joh, are the two authorized signatories to the county account.

‎Mr Chelley alleged that stronger oversight and transparency are needed to ensure public funds are managed responsibly.

‎He also accused the County authorities of demanding accountability from other institutions, while allegedly failing to provide detailed reports on county expenditures. ‎In the wake of the concerns about the 2025 Budget Performance Report raised by Chelley, County Financial Officer,  Philiph Joh,  was on last Thursday summoned to appear before the County Council  to provide clarity and a detailed breakdown of the reported expenditures to the public.  This Paper did not receive the outcome of the County Financial Officer, Joh’s appearance before the County Council.