Officials of the National Freedom Pentecostal Church (NFPC), Kokoyah Road Chapter, have strongly condemned Representative James M. Kolleh, accusing him of insulting the church leadership after being reminded of a campaign promise he made during the 2023 general elections.
Rep. Kolleh, who serves as Chairman on Rules, Order, and Administration in the House of Representatives, allegedly lashed out at the church during a June 15, 2025 visit in Gbarnga, after repeated follow-ups by members of the church concerning his unfulfilled pledge to donate 50 bags of cement toward their ongoing construction project.
During the 2023 campaign season, Kolleh—then seeking re-election as Representative of Bong County Electoral District #2—visited the church, pastored by Rev. Abel Koranteng Barseh, and solicited the congregation’s support.
According to church members, the pastor received Rep. Kolleh warmly and, on behalf of the church, assured him of their support and prayers, “with God’s divine favor.” In response to the endorsement, Rep. Kolleh was visibly moved and publicly pledged to provide 50 bags of cement to support the church’s construction needs if re-elected.
However, tension flared earlier this month when Rep. Kolleh returned to the church and accused the pastor of double loyalty during the campaign.
“During the campaign, I saw the pastor supporting my opponent, Victor Tokpah, while pretending to support me,” Rep. Kolleh allegedly told the congregation. “I was very disappointed—a man of God should not behave in such a deceitful manner.”
He claimed that even after receiving his election certificate, the pastor continued to “complain” that he had not fulfilled the cement promise. He admitted he was frustrated by the repeated reminders from the church leadership.
Despite his grievances, Kolleh eventually delivered the 50 bags of cement—but not without openly criticizing the pastor and the church in the process, which prompted a firm rejection of the donation by the church.
In a sharp response, Saye Tailor, Youth President of the NFPC, and Patience Dolo, Assistant Women’s President, spoke to journalists in Gbarnga and condemned the lawmaker’s behavior.
“Shame is on Rep. Kolleh,” said Tailor. “This is the same church he used to come to for prayers when he wanted to be a representative. Today, he acts like he doesn’t even know our pastor’s or Mother’s phone numbers. Shame on him.”
The two leaders made it clear that the church never requested cement or any donation from Kolleh.
“We didn’t beg him for cement,” said Madam Dolo. “He came here and made the promise himself to support the church construction. Nobody forced him. But instead of keeping his word respectfully, he insulted us.”
They added that the church rejected the 50 bags of cement because of the disrespect shown by the representative in the course of delivering the materials.
“He denigrated our pastor, disrespected our church, and then tried to hand over the cement like we were beggars. We refused it because of the manner in which he behaved. We value dignity more than donations.”
The church officials also revealed that the incident had political consequences for their members, many of whom altered their voting decisions in the 2023 general elections.
“Some of us refused to vote in our own districts because of Representative Kolleh’s behavior,” said one member. “We left our districts and went to vote in District #2 for him, because he came here and asked for our support. And in the end, he rewarded us with insults.”
Church members say they feel “betrayed and used,” and are now calling on Rep. Kolleh to publicly apologize for what they described as “a shameful act unbecoming of a national leader.”
As of now, Rep. Kolleh has not issued a public apology or further comment regarding the incident.
