Residents of Electoral District 3C in Grand Bassa County are demanding answers from their lawmaker, Representative Alfred H. Flomo, over an alleged US$12,000 withdrawal from the district's community forest account -- a controversy that is steadily escalating into a broader community dispute.
In recent weeks, residents from several towns across Districts 3C and 3B have been traveling to Buchanan to hold meetings with county authorities. What began as quiet concern among community leaders has now evolved into open frustration, with some citizens warning that they may stage street protests if the matter is not addressed.
At the center of the controversy is the Community Forest Management Body (CFMB), the institution established under Liberia's Community Rights Law of 2009 to manage community forest resources and revenues generated from them.
The CFMB, headed by J. Max Kpelleh, is responsible for overseeing income, compensation payments, and other benefits derived from community forest activities. The body reports to the Community Assembly and operates under the supervision of an Executive Committee, structures designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of forest-related funds.
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Community members say these governance mechanisms were created specifically to protect their collective interests and prevent unilateral decisions regarding community resources.
Residents insist that any withdrawal from the community forest account must follow procedures approved by both the CFMB and the Community Assembly.
In a formal letter circulated to county authorities, residents demanded the immediate return of the alleged US$12,000 withdrawal.
"We are calling on Hon. Alfred H. Flomo to return the US$12,000 withdrawn from the Community Forest account," the letter states.
The communication was copied to several senior county officials, including Grand Bassa County Senator Gbezohngar M. Finley, Representative Thomas A. Goshua of District 5, County Superintendent Kardya Johnson, District 3C Commissioner Roland Tiah, and local traditional leaders.
Residents say the decision to copy multiple officials reflects the seriousness of the matter and their determination to pursue accountability.
Community members also expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of response from their representative.
"We have repeatedly sought explanation for the unlawful withdrawal, but he has refused to respond to our calls," the letter further states.
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Tensions intensified after a leaked audio recording began circulating within the district. In the recording, a man believed to be a community member can be heard expressing frustration over the situation.
"We have been asking him to explain why he withdrew the money, but he refuses to answer us," the speaker says in the recording.
The authenticity and context of the recording could not be independently verified.
Efforts to obtain a response from Representative Flomo were unsuccessful as of the time of publication.
Under Liberia's Community Rights Law, revenues generated from community forests are intended to support local development projects, compensation arrangements, and sustainable forest management initiatives.
Community members say the alleged withdrawal raises serious concerns about transparency and the management of resources meant to improve local livelihoods.
"We will not sit quietly while our development money disappears," one resident said during a recent meeting in Buchanan.
"If he does not return the money, the people will speak in the streets."
