By Farsue Sillah

5/7/25 

The Health Center Project in Zolowo Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County, has come to a standstill due to the lack of funding, leaving the community without essential health services.

Initiated during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the project is yet to be completed, causing growing concern among residents.

In a telephone interview on May 7, 2025, Township Commissioner Papa K. B. Johnson expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the project remains incomplete primarily due to insufficient financial support from the national government.

“The citizens of Zolowo Town have shown tremendous support for this initiative, even engaging in community clean-up efforts around the building and contributing their funds to purchase materials like wood for the roofing,” Johnson noted.

Town chief Johnson emphasized the urgent need for national government intervention to complete the health center, which would provide much-needed access to quality healthcare for residents of Zolowo Town and surrounding areas.

“The lack of a functional health center means that our community continues to suffer from inadequate healthcare services,” he added.

Despite reaching out to District #5 lawmaker Hon. Augustine B. Chiewolo for assistance, Johnson reported that there has been no response from the lawmaker thus far. As the health center remains unfinished, the citizens are left without a reliable source of medical care, underscoring the pressing need for action to address this ongoing crisis.

The community is hopeful that with increased attention and support, the Health Center Project can be revived and completed, paving the way for better health outcomes in Zorzor District.

By: Tokpa M. Tarnue tarnue82gmail.com

May 1, 2025

The Medical Director at the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital, Dr G. Galakpa Johnson, has resigned.

Making the disclosure on Wednesday on Radio Kintoma Good Morning Lofa Show, Dr Johnson said he resigned as medical director for the Tellewoyan Hospital to pursue his master's in public health in the United States of America (USA).

Dr. Johnson, who is currently in Minnesota, the USA clarified that his resignation from the position was never as a result of a poor working relationship with other health officials within the county, as was heavily speculated.

He told Radio Kintoma News that he had an opportunity to further upgrade himself and as such, he could not hold on to the position while at the same time away acquiring his master in public health in the US. Even though he resigned from the position but he remained part of the health system.

Responding to a question of returning to the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital upon the completion of his studies in the US Dr. Johnson indicated that, he would love to  but his employer will be the one to decide on his return to the hospital or not.

Despite his short stay at the Tellewoyan Hospital, Dr. Johnson and his team were able to initiate the painting of the facility, creating partition for patients privacy, procuring of a new surgical bed, renovating work to solve the problem of leaking roof amongst other essentials things that the staff needed to work with.

At his induction ceremony on M ay 21, 2024, Dr. Johnson underscored the need for teamwork; something many see as a factor for his achievements during his still at the facility

By Abednego Saylay

On April 12, 2025, the people of Quesemba Town, along with residents of surrounding towns and villages, gathered in unity to dedicate a newly constructed clinic — a vital milestone in the development of their community.

This transformative initiative was the vision of a prominent son of Quesemba, Mr. James Korha, who after many years in the United States, returned home to give back to the land and people who raised him. His passion for development and service was first demonstrated when he built an elementary school for the town — an effort aimed at keeping the children engaged in education at an early stage.

Not stopping there, Mr. Korha expanded his vision to include constructing a modern clinic. Recognizing the severe lack of medical facilities in the region, he was determined to ease the burden faced by residents who often traveled long distances—sometimes in life-threatening conditions—to reach hospitals in Tubugissizu, Nyendehmoilahun, or Voinjama.

The clinic, which now stands completed, is not only a blessing to Quesemba but also to neighboring towns, villages, and even bordering communities from the Republic of Guinea.

During the dedication ceremony, Dr. Sherly, a key project sponsor, expressed deep appreciation for the community’s warm embrace of Mr. Korha’s vision. He highlighted how rare it is for Africans abroad to return and invest in their hometowns, often choosing instead to live comfortably overseas while neglecting the communities they left behind. He praised Mr. Korha’s selfless decision to return home at a young age and invest his limited resources in uplifting his people. For this reason, Dr. Sherly pledged his continued support to the clinic and future community development efforts.

Dr. Sherly also commended the local citizens for their dedication to the project — from digging sand and molding bricks to roofing and painting. He said such unity and cooperation is a sign that Quesemba has the potential to become a model community in Lofa County and Liberia at large.

Representing the Ministry of Health and the Lofa County Health Team, Mr. John K. Akoi extended gratitude to Mr. Korha, Dr. Sherly, the donors, and the citizens for supporting the government’s efforts to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

Additionally, Mr. Augustus Y. Smith, speaking on behalf of Hon. Momo T. Cyrus — head of the Elder Council and Senator of Lofa County — read a petition pledging the Senator’s support for the clinic and his commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue to enhance the project's impact.

In an emotional speech, Mr. James Korha reflected on the painful memories of community members who lost their lives due to the lack of medical facilities. Many died on the road trying to reach faraway hospitals — an experience that left a lasting impression on him and fueled his determination to build the clinic.

He emphasized that the clinic is not just a benefit to Quesemba, but a life-saving asset to the entire region. To ensure sustainability, he announced that the clinic would charge a modest fee — 500 LD for children and 1,000 LD for adults — which would go toward supporting staff and daily operations.

In closing, the women’s group and other citizens expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Korha and the donors for their tireless efforts in bringing health care closer to home. They recounted the challenges faced in the past and vowed to work together to ensure the clinic delivers high-quality services to all.