The Bong County Technical College (BCTC) has initiated legal action to secure its legally mandated share of the county’s Social Development Fund (SDF), resulting in a court order that compels the county administration to comply. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Bong County, ruled in favor of BCTC, directing the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) to deduct 25% of all transactions from the county’s SDF account and remit the funds to the college. This ruling stems from a 2015 legislative act establishing BCTC, which stipulates that a quarter of the county’s SDF be allocated annually to the institution for its operational and developmental needs. The court’s intervention marks a significant step in addressing the chronic underfunding of the college, which has heavily relied on national government support due to the county’s consistent failure to adhere to the legal mandate.
BCTC’s legal counsel, Cllr. George Sylvester Mulbah, has firmly asserted the college’s commitment to upholding the court’s decision. He emphasized that the court’s order is not merely a suggestion but a legally binding obligation. Any attempt by the County Administration or LBDI to disregard the ruling would constitute a clear violation of the law, potentially leading to further legal action. Cllr. Mulbah underscored the importance of the 25% SDF allocation for the growth and sustainability of BCTC, stressing its crucial role in providing higher education and technical training to young people in Bong County and beyond. He dismissed a recent US$20,000 allotment to the college by the County Council as a blatant disregard for the law, highlighting its inadequacy in comparison to the mandated 25% allocation.
The court’s ruling has established a clear legal framework for the disbursement of funds to BCTC, mandating that the 25% allocation be prioritized in all SDF transactions. Judge Boima Kontoe’s order specifically prohibits any withdrawals from the SDF account unless the college’s allocation is deducted first. This mechanism ensures that BCTC receives its rightful share of the funds, preventing further delays and arbitrary allocations. This decisive action aims to address the long-standing issue of underfunding that has hampered the college’s development and operational capacity.
The legal battle underscores the challenges faced by educational institutions in securing adequate funding, particularly in regions where adherence to legal mandates may be inconsistent. BCTC’s proactive approach in pursuing legal recourse demonstrates its commitment to securing the necessary resources to fulfill its educational mission. The court’s ruling sets a precedent for enforcing legal obligations related to educational funding, potentially influencing similar cases in the future. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the future of BCTC and its ability to provide quality education to its students.
The enforcement of the court’s ruling is not just about securing funds for BCTC; it’s about upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds. It highlights the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring that legal mandates are respected and enforced, particularly when it comes to vital sectors like education. The case also underscores the need for transparent and accountable financial management within county administrations, particularly in the allocation and utilization of development funds.
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the vital role that education plays in national development and the importance of adequately funding educational institutions. The successful implementation of the court’s order will not only benefit BCTC but also contribute to the overall development of Bong County by empowering its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to society. The case underscores the power of legal action in safeguarding the interests of educational institutions and ensuring that they receive the necessary resources to fulfill their mandate. It also highlights the importance of continued advocacy and vigilance in ensuring that legal provisions intended to support education are effectively implemented and enforced.
