Kpanga Krim Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election: Gbonda Family Unveils Candidate
Alhaji Mashalat Sheriff The Gbonda Ruling House and residents of Kpanga Krim Chiefdom have officially unveiled Emmanuel Desmond Gbessay Gbonda, popularly known as Diplomatic-G, as their candidate for the upcoming Paramount Chieftaincy Election.
The unveiling ceremony followed the death of the late Paramount Chief, PC S.A.S. Gbonda, and brought together traditional authorities, chiefdom and district stakeholders, rival aspirants, security personnel, media representatives and community members.
Speaking on behalf of the Gbonda Ruling House, Lawyer Afrad A. Gbonda announced that the Joseph Amadu Gbonda Family had unanimously agreed to present Emmanuel Desmond Gbessay Gbonda as its sole representative in the election.
He said the Paramount Chieftaincy should be viewed not only as a position of traditional authority but also as a responsibility to serve the people, promote peace, support development and preserve the customs and values of the chiefdom.
Welcoming the gathering, the Regent Chief of Kpanga Krim Chiefdom, Chief Alhaji Ibrahim Koroma, commended participants for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the ceremony.
Chief Koroma, who is overseeing the chiefdom during the transition, called on all aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and maintain unity throughout the electoral process.
He also reminded those present of the importance of traditional legitimacy and urged contestants to recognise their shared family and community ties despite their differences in the contest.
Addressing the gathering, Emmanuel Desmond Gbessay Gbonda outlined youth empowerment, inclusivity and modernised governance as key areas of focus in his candidacy.
Gbonda, described at the ceremony as the youngest aspirant in the contest, spoke about his connection to Kpanga Krim Chiefdom and his understanding of its traditions and customs.
“It is time to trust young people with leadership roles for the betterment of Kpanga Krim Chiefdom,” he said.
Among the priorities outlined by Gbonda are initiatives aimed at expanding vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, sports programmes and civic engagement for young people.
He also highlighted support for women’s groups through increased opportunities for micro-trade, agricultural inputs and greater participation in traditional governance.
On governance, Gbonda said he would seek to combine traditional practices with modern approaches to social welfare and community development.
He also appealed to other contestants and their supporters to maintain tolerance, mutual respect and decorum throughout the electoral process.
The unveiling marks the formal presentation of Gbonda as the Joseph Amadu Gbonda Family’s candidate ahead of the Kpanga Krim Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful and transparent electoral process.