Barnesville, Liberia, May 19, 2026 — House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has announced his intention to seek reelection as Representative of Montserrado County District #11, positioning himself as a formidable political force ahead of the 2029 presidential and legislative elections.
“I still stand as a formidable force. I can close my eyes and beat anybody in this district,” Speaker Koon declared during his State of the District Annual Report delivered on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Barnesville, District #11, Montserrado County.
Koon’s annual report detailed a range of achievements over the past year, including community interventions, education reforms, women’s empowerment programs, youth scholarship initiatives, and infrastructure support projects throughout the district. These initiatives aim to improve educational opportunities, economic empowerment, community development, and institutional support in District #11.
Highlighting support for women’s groups, Koon revealed that the district office provided financial assistance totaling L$1,020,000 to the District Savings and Loan Women’s Group to help cover school fees and improve access to education.
Through the youth scholarship program, approximately 200 young people benefited from scholarships at A.M.E. Zion University, while several students also secured international scholarships to institutions in the Philippines.
As part of business support efforts, 70 women received L$8,200 each to start or expand small businesses, with an additional 20 women receiving 30 bundles of zinc to support housing improvement projects.
Under the District Day Initiative, food, cash, and essential materials were distributed weekly to families in need. Additionally, 100 motorbikes were distributed across 63 communities to enhance transportation and service delivery.
Financial support was also extended to institutions, including Shirley Kolmer Catholic School, Konuwa High School, Zion Grace School, Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, and Grace Baptist Church.
The report further noted that land acquisition processes have commenced for Kebbah Market, Dixville Market, Caldwell Sports Pitch, and Dixville Sports Pitch.
As Speaker of the House, Koon emphasized the passage of five major education reform bills, including the establishment of the Sign Language Institute of Liberia, the elevation of the Monrovia Vocational Training Center and Bong Technical College to university status, and the creation of community colleges in River Gee and River Cess Counties.
Koon also referenced the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), launched in 2020 to support women, single parents, and families experiencing economic hardship. Financial experts were brought in to train participants in money management and sustainable savings practices.
During the reporting period, the VSLA recorded total assets of L$3,145,800, with L$3,057,057 deposited by 17 groups into Access Bank Liberia. The program also awarded L$10,000 scholarships to members for their children’s education.
He acknowledged challenges affecting the initiative, noting that lending activities among members slowed during the reporting period. Currently, 16 groups maintain savings totaling L$1,801,330 at Access Bank, while bonus distributions have been delayed due to auditing and savings-sharing procedures.
Koon reiterated the district’s commitment to education reform, youth and women’s empowerment, community development, and social support initiatives.
In Liberia’s political landscape, it is uncommon for a sitting House Speaker to present a district report—an initiative that has earned Koon praise from constituents, who described the move as a bold demonstration of accountability and transparency.
