GANTA, Nimba – Rep. Jeremiah Kpan Koung of Nimba’s first electoral district has held a program meant to thank the residents of his district for voting him into office.

The program took place on Saturday, May 12, drawing together citizens from all across the district at the Ganta Sports Field. Among high profile guests in attendance were Rep. George Boley of Grand Gedeh, Deputy House Speaker Prince Moye of Bong, Rep. Roger Domah of Nimba’s seventh district, and Rep. Dorwon Gleekia of Nimba’s sixth district.

Moye, who spoke at the gathering, called Koung a “blessing” and promised to work with him to develop his district.

Prior to the event, Koung had clarified that the program would be used to unify district residents after a tense election season. He extended an invitation to the five other persons who were contesting the seat along with him.

“This program is not about oppositions, or campaign time—elections are over,” Koung said. “As far as I am concerned, everyone in Ganta voted for me and that’s why I won. Everyone is invited to be a part of this program. This is about governance, and not about who voted or who won in the district.”

Ganta’s Mayor Amos Suah, who had contested against Koung, attended the event, delivering the welcome remarks and performing the gowning of Koung.

Koung said the purpose of the program was not to pay back district residents, “but to appreciate the effort of our mothers and fathers and the young people who stood under the rain and sun to vote [for] us.”

Organizers worked to ensure that district residents could easily access the program and citizens met at different pickup points in the district to march to the Ganta Sports Field. According to the program chairperson, Victor Kpessieh, a little over 300 bags of 25kg rice has been made available for refreshment for the participants.

Koung serves as co-chair on the House Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, a position he occupied during the previous legislature.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah