Veteran journalist Paul M. Kanneh is calling on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to intervene in a growing political crisis over the appointment of a Paramount Chief in Wanhassa District, Lofa County.
Speaking in Monrovia following his visit to the area, Kanneh raised concerns over the recent induction of Salia Dunor as Paramount Chief, replacing Molly Sowo. According to him, the process leading to Dunor’s appointment lacked transparency and failed to reflect the will of the community.
“Our people have made it abundantly clear: they do not want political parties, including the Unity Party, to interfere in traditional leadership selections,” Kanneh, founder of Liberia Forest Media Watch and manager of the World Reporter News Network said. “I am not taking sides but rather calling on President Boakai to intervene urgently in this matter.”
Kanneh emphasized the historical significance of the community, describing it as a “sacred place” known for producing intellectuals and educated citizens. He stressed that the legitimacy of traditional leadership must be rooted in the community’s consent and not influenced by political maneuvering.
While acknowledging the new chief’s youthfulness and active involvement in the town’s affairs, Kanneh maintained that if residents feel he is not yet ready to lead, their concerns must be respected.
He further noted that, although the President has constitutional authority over appointments, traditional leadership roles like the Paramount Chief should be filled through meaningful consultation with the people. “Tribal leaders are pillars of both governance and tradition,” he said, urging that their selection be handled with care.
Kanneh criticized the recent endorsement ceremony organized by the Lofa County Superintendent, describing it as problematic and ignoring the clear opposition of the community. “You foresee trouble, yet you still go ahead,” he lamented, warning of potential unrest if the situation is not addressed.
Political undertones surrounding the crisis have also surfaced. According to Kanneh, there are allegations that the removal of Molly Sowo is tied to his past political affiliations — particularly his earlier support for the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) before reportedly shifting to the Unity Party. He called for an impartial investigation into these claims.
Community members, Kanneh said, had forgiven Sowo for any political missteps and advocated for his retention, but their appeals were dismissed. He reminded authorities that the community overwhelmingly supported the CDC in previous elections, according to National Elections Commission (NEC) data, and their leadership preferences should be honored.
Highlighting Sowo’s background, Kanneh explained that he had faced political intimidation in the past, including a five-year suspension by the CDC — a decision that was reversed within a year. Despite these challenges, Sowo remains a respected elder and high school graduate with strong community support.
Kanneh concluded by reiterating his appeal for President Boakai’s intervention. “I am speaking not on behalf of any faction but as a responsible citizen,” he said. “The President must ensure proper consultation with the community to safeguard the integrity of our traditional leadership.”
