By: Matalay Kollie
Bong County Senator, Johnny Kpehe Sr. is under mounting pressure from constituents in Bong County following what they describe as his failure to deliver on a key campaign promise.
The construction of a much-anticipated Ambulance Hub.
The hub, estimated to cost US$100,000, was projected for completion and dedication in January 2025, with groundbreaking in early August 2024.
However, with only months remaining until the proposed deadline, visible progress is absent, and frustration among residents is growing.
During the 2023 Senatorial Elections, which saw Kpehe rise to political prominence, he pledged to prioritize healthcare by constructing the “Senator Johnny Kpehe Sr Ambulance Hub.”
Addressing a large political gathering in Gbarnga, he described the project as a cornerstone of his healthcare agenda.
Senator Kpehe had promised to build and equip the ambulance hub, partner with the Bong County Health Team (BCHT) to manage the facility, provide a fleet of ambulances, cover the salaries of medical personnel, and fund ongoing maintenance.
“Once completed, this facility will be a vital resource for our community, reducing response times and ultimately saving lives,” Kpehe asserted at the time a statement that resonated deeply with voters across the county, especially in remote communities.
Nearly a year later, residents say little has materialized. What was once a source of hope has become a point of contention.
Disillusionment began to set in after reports emerged that the project had been significantly scaled down.
Instead of the originally promised full-scale facility, constituents learned that a much smaller, less equipped “mini ambulance hub” was now being considered.
This adjustment has triggered outrage, particularly among voters from hard-to-reach areas who feel sidelined.
“We believed in his promise and campaigned hard for him,” said one local leader. “But now it feels like we’ve been forgotten.”
In response to the mounting criticisms, Senator Kpehe has pointed fingers at the Bong County Health Team.
He claims the agency advised him to redirect attention to completing an abandoned clinic in Yeila, arguing that it meets more urgent healthcare needs.
“The health administrator, Sam Siakor, advised me to prioritize the clinic, which is crucial for immediate healthcare in that area. Only once that is completed can we redirect efforts to the Ambulance Hub,” Kpehe said.
Confirming the Senator’s statement, BCHT’s Health Administrator Sam Siakor explained: “The focus is on getting this clinic fully operational first; once we meet that goal, we can turn our attention to the ambulance hub.”
Additionally, Armstrong Doloyuwah, Media Consultant in the Office of Senator Kpehe, told Cape reporter that the clinic is 85% completed.
He reaffirmed the Senator’s commitment to beginning the ambulance project as soon as the clinic is finished.
Despite these reassurances, many Bong County residents feel misled.
The delay and lack of clear communication have triggered skepticism about Senator Kpehe’s leadership and long-term credibility.
For now, the citizens of Bong County wait anxiously — not just for a promised facility, but for a sign that political promises will be honored.
Whether Senator Kpehe can repair the growing rift between his office and the electorate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the people want action, not just words.
