- A grassroots campaign led by youth advocate Theophilus Biah has helped push county authorities toward greater transparency in the management of Grand Bassa's scrap metal funds; a once-controversial revenue stream now being channeled into education projects across the county.
Biah, whose public commentary earlier this year drew wide attention, was on Sunday honored by the Ablee-Jay Media Board for what the organization described as constructive civic engagement and commitment to accountability. The board presented him with US$250 in recognition of his role in spotlighting the use of the funds and encouraging civil dialogue around leadership responsibility.
The recognition follows a months-long dispute triggered in June when Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley said publicly that "scrap money cannot develop Grand Bassa County," a remark that stirred debate over whether the funds were being properly collected and allocated. In response, Biah urged citizens to remember that the sale of scrap from ArcelorMittal Liberia's facilities was originally intended to support scholarships for Bassa youth -- a commitment made during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
His comments, shared widely through an interview with Ablee-Jay Media, helped revive public calls for transparency. Under mounting public pressure, the Grand Bassa County Administration, led by Superintendent Karyou Johnson, constituted a Scrap Committee to oversee the process. By mid-October, the committee reported revenues totaling more than US$83,910.49 from scrap sales.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
According to county authorities, the funds have already begun supporting education initiatives. These include US$10,000 provided to the Grand Bassa University Student Union Government to assist 50 students with tuition, and US$3,000 distributed to the Grand Bassa Student Union for additional education-related programs. The county also purchased 10 sewing machines for Children Rescue Africa to expand youth skills training. The largest allocation -- US$50,000 -- has been dedicated to constructing the Bensom River Public School in Buchanan, which has operated out of a rented facility for years.
Ablee-Jay Media Board Chairperson Wynston Dixon said the organization's recognition of Biah was also dedicated to the memory of two former board members, Cephus Gbayou and Jeremiah Davis, both remembered for their commitment to youth education. Dixon said Biah's example demonstrates "the power of respectful advocacy" and the role young people can play in ensuring public accountability.
For Biah, the acknowledgment reflects a broader community victory. "I'm glad our collective voices are being heard," he told reporters after receiving the award. "The scrap funds are now being used for education -- exactly as they should be. This shows that when young people speak up respectfully, change can happen."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He added that civic participation must remain a priority across Grand Bassa: "Our leaders are employees of the people. It's our duty as citizens to ensure they work for us -- not the other way around."
The developments mark a notable shift in the debate over scrap revenue management in Grand Bassa, signaling renewed pressure from residents -- particularly young people -- for greater oversight of public resources.
