Africa-Press – Liberia. By Edwin N. Khakie
Gbarnga, Bong County – Former Representative Edward W. Karfiah is facing renewed scrutiny over his much-discussed “Orange Project” after attempting to link a local church initiative to his unfulfilled campaign pledge.
In response to mounting inquiries about the project’s fate, Mr. Karfiah directed journalists to the residence of a United Methodist Church pastor in Gbarnga. According to him, the site would provide clarity on the implementation of his orange-planting initiative, which was a centerpiece of his 2023 campaign in Bong County.
However, sources within the church contradicted that claim. They confirmed that a group of women from the congregation had independently planted oranges on the church compound several years ago, long before Mr. Karfiah announced his project.
The revolution has sparked debate over whether the politician is attempting to retroactively attach his name to an existing effort to defend himself against criticism that the Orange Project has yet to materialize or deliver any tangible benefits to citizens.
Community members and observers say the development raises broader questions about accountability and transparency in political promises. “It is misleading for a leader to claim credit for something he had no hand in,” one church elder told this newspaper on condition of anonymity. “The women of this church planted those trees on their own. This is not Karfiah’s project.”
During the 2023 election campaign, Mr. Karfiah promised that his Orange Project would bring economic empowerment and agricultural sustainability to Bong County. Yet nearly two years later, there is no evidence of large-scale planting or community impact.
Political analysts suggest that Mr. Karfiah’s recent statements may reflect pressure from voters demanding answers. “This incident illustrates the danger of unfulfilled campaign rhetoric,” said a Monrovia-based governance expert. “Communities remember promises and attempting to rebrand old community initiatives as campaign achievements undermines public trust.”
For many residents of Bong County, the Orange Project remains a symbol of dashed expectations. Whether Mr. Karfiah can rehabilitate his credibility on the matter may depend on his ability to present verifiable results rather than rely on associations with pre-existing efforts.
As public scrutiny deepens, the episode underscores a larger theme in Liberian politics: the need for leaders to distinguish between genuine community-driven development and political branding.
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