The Center for Peace and Development Effectiveness (CEPDE) is calling for Montserrado County Superintendent Grace Kpaan and Representative Edward Forh to account for development funds or resign their positions for misuse of public trust.

The call comes in the wake of the corruption scandal involving the two county officials.

The Mid-Year National Budget Performance Report shows that nearly US$22m has already been disbursed to Montserrado County under the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.

According to a release, CEPDE says the corruption saga involving the two officials, and possibly others, could undermine the successful implementation of the PSIP, as Montserrado County alone accounts for more than 80% of the total PSIP budget appropriation for the 15 counties.

It is totally unacceptable that senior officials in government are channeling urgently needed development funds to their personal use and enrichment while the country's poor continue to lack basic social services, says CEPDE Country Director Kerian Pelenah.

Mr. Pelenah also disclosed that CEPDE will undertake a Citizen Budget Advocacy Program (CBAP) to promote transparency and accountability and seek legal redress against corrupt public officials.