Published: August 23, 2026
GBARNGA, Bong County – Children in Gbabkeima and Darkpansu have gone without a school for nine years, while the building meant to serve them stands unroofed and overgrown with grass, leaving the younger ones to follow their parents to the farms and the older ones to walk to Melekei and Goll Farm for class.
Residents of the two communities in Bong County Electoral District 3 said construction of the elementary school began in 2017 and progressed far enough for contractors to raise the walls to roof level before work stopped. The structure has stood untouched since, they said, and they have never been given a clear reason why.
The residents said the project began after Edward Karfiah visited the area with Rep. Josiah Marvin Cole, during which the communities appealed for a school to serve their children and those of surrounding towns and villages. They are now calling on both men to complete it.
David Batapaye, town chief of Gbabkeima, said Karfiah had promised to see the building through to dedication.
“The former lawmaker subsequently stopped supporting the project without providing the community with a clear explanation,” Batapaye said.
Residents said Cole, who they said helped bring the project to the area through his relationship with Karfiah, later promised to help complete the facility, but the commitment has gone unmet despite repeated appeals.
Martin Fofana, a supporter of Karfiah, confirmed that Karfiah started the project after being invited to an occasion in the district, though he said he could not recall which event. He did not dispute that the work stopped.
“Yes, the building was moving swiftly, but at a certain point, my boss’s hands went down. He became engaged with complicated issues,” Fofana said.
He did not say what those issues were. He said the communities had not been abandoned.
“We will definitely complete the school. We haven’t forgotten about the residents of Gbabkeima and Darkpansu,” Fofana said.
Eldorado Kermue, chief of office staff to Cole, said in a telephone interview that he would establish the facts of his boss’s involvement before responding.
