By Matalay Kollie
The dust has barely settled on the recent student council elections at Bong County Technical College (BCTC) when a political rivalry emerges between Senator Johnny Kpehe Sr. and former District Five Representative Edward Karfiah, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Bong County as the 2029 and 2032 senatorial elections approaches.
The rivalry took center stage during the college’s recent elections, where both political figures aligned with opposing student political factions.
Senator Kpehe backed the Student Progress Congress (SPC), led by Kongoi Gborkorquelli, while Karfiah threw his support behind the rival STUDA-SUP, supported by Alfred Kollie.
The elections concluded with a victory for STUDA-SUP, posing a significant setback for Kpehe and raising questions about his political influence among the student body.
The tension escalated further during the induction ceremony for the newly elected Student Council Government, where Karfiah made headlines by donating a substantial sum of cash and pledging to install a Starlink Wi-Fi system to alleviate the connectivity challenges on campus.
The notable gesture appears to have resonated strongly with the student community, galvanizing Karfiah’s supporters.
Karfiah’s re-emergence has sparked increased activity from his base, with supporters advocating for a change in leadership to better meet the college community’s needs — a criticism directed at Kpehe, who has faced scrutiny over his alleged effectiveness in fulfilling his responsibilities.
The political landscape at BCTC is clearly in flux, with students expressing their frustrations regarding ongoing issues they feel have not been adequately addressed.
In a swift response to Karfiah’s actions, Senator Kpehe announced his own donation of Starlink Wi-Fi systems just days later.
Observers interpreted this as a strategic move to reclaim political momentum following what any described as Karfiah’s high-profile contributions.
However, reactions to Kpehe’s initiative were mixed.
While some students appreciated the senator’s efforts, many, particularly those affiliated with the freshly inaugurated student government, perceived his actions as too little, too late.
Critics labeled the move as insincere, suggesting it was more about political maneuvering than a genuine commitment to the students welfare.
The newly elected student council president, Alfred Kollie, has voiced his disappointment with Kpehe’s approach.
During an event celebrating Kpehe’s announcement, Kollie reportedly felt compelled to distance himself from the proceedings, underscoring the deepening divisions within the campus political climate.
