American Envoy visits Bong County

By: Edwin N. Khakie

The United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, on Tuesday, June 17, concluded a one-day official visit to Bong County as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations and promote development at the grassroots level.

The visit marked Ambassador Toner’s first official engagement with Bong County leadership and served as a platform for dialogue on key developmental issues facing the region. During the visit, he met with Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, members of the county administration, traditional leaders, and other local stakeholders.

Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Toner emphasized the importance of stepping outside the capital, Monrovia, to gain a clearer understanding of the everyday challenges faced by ordinary Liberians.

“Traveling to places like Bong County allows me to experience firsthand the realities of the people,” Ambassador Toner stated. “The United States is committed to being a reliable partner—not just politically, but in fostering economic development, education, and job creation, especially for young people.”

The Ambassador highlighted the progress Liberia has made in democratic governance, particularly through the successful conduct of recent elections. However, he stressed that democratic gains must now be matched with tangible socio-economic improvements. He further noted that meaningful development must involve the participation of local communities to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Ambassador Toner also assured the county leadership of the U.S. government’s willingness to explore collaborative programs, particularly in youth empowerment, women’s leadership, agricultural development, education, and peacebuilding.

For her part, Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris expressed her deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as both “timely and impactful.” She said the engagement offered local leaders the rare opportunity to share their concerns and development priorities directly with a key international partner.

“Since I assumed office in May 2024, I reached out to all foreign missions in Liberia, encouraging them to look beyond Monrovia and visit rural counties,” Superintendent Norris disclosed. “So far, only the United States Embassy responded. Ambassador Toner’s visit shows a genuine commitment to inclusive development.”

She used the occasion to call on other diplomatic missions based in Monrovia to emulate the U.S. approach by engaging more directly with communities across Liberia.

Superintendent Norris also pointed out that Bong County, despite its challenges, has great potential in agriculture, youth development, and education that can be harnessed through strategic partnerships with international stakeholders.

The visit concluded with mutual pledges to continue strengthening collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and Bong County authorities, with a focus on programs that directly benefit rural populations.

Ambassador Toner’s visit was widely welcomed by local residents and leaders, who expressed hope that it would signal the beginning of increased international engagement with Liberia’s interior counties.