Seven New Laws of Grand Bassa County

DECENTRALIZING GRAND BASSA COUNTY

Seven new laws decentralizing Grand Bassa County

Published by authority
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10, 2003
LAW# 1

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE GRAND BASSA UNIVERSITY (GBU)

It is enacted by the Honourable Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia, in Legislature Assembled:
CHARTER OF THE GRAND BASSA UNIVERSITY (GBU).
CREATION OF THE UNIVERSITY:
SECTION 1

The Grand Bassa University situated in the City of Gbezohn, Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia with prospect of expansion to other subdivision of the County is hereby created under the auspices and sponsorship of Hon. Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, the Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu Education Foundation, Inc. Gbezohn City, Grand Bassa County.
The University is hereby granted a charter which endows it with all the rights, privileges and benefits granted institutions of higher learning under the Laws of the Republic of Liberia and shall henceforth be known by the name and title "GRAND BASSA UNIVERSITY".
LEGAL STATUS
SECTION 2

The Grand Bassa University is hereby made a legal and corporate entity with perpetual existence and shall have the authority to contract, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any court of competent jurisdiction within the Republic of Liberia, to purchase or otherwise acquire and hold property, real and mixed; the said Grand Bassa University shall be perpetually maintained in this Republic for the education of the people of this Nation, and /or other countries and for all who may see its advantages.
ARTICLE II - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
SECTION 1

The aims and objectives of the Grand Bassa University (GBU) shall be:

To create, establish and carry on a co-educational institution of higher learning within the Republic of Liberia, wherein graduates of accredited secondary schools and other persons of equivalent academic attainment may pursue their education in any field of learning provided by (GBU).

To provide the conditions for instruction and learning in all spheres of collegiate, professional, technological and religious education which will effectually promote the interest of the county and the Republic of Liberia.

To maintain centers of learning where members of all races, classes and creed gender and ethnic backgrounds can enjoy an equal opportunity to study, conduct research, learn and achieve knowledge, skill and deep abiding spirituality and may acquired and transmitted to all and that the myths, fears and insecurities that destroy humans and their relationship with God and with one another, may be removed.

To acquire, establish and maintain such auxiliary campuses with coral elated colleges and institutions at locations within Grand Bassa County or within the Republic of Liberia as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1

The Governance and control of the Grand Bassa University shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the University, which is hereby made a corporate body under the name and style of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GRAND BASSA UNIVERSITY with perpetual succession of member be chosen and appointed as herein provided.
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 2
The Board of Directors shall be composed of Members appointed from the institutions and personalities listed below by the Founder and/or his Legatee(s) who shall be the majority owner of the shares or stocks of the Grand Bassa University. The following shall constitute the Board and shall be expanded as deem necessary by the Founders or his legatee (s):

Sen. Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer the Grand Bassa University

The Rock Church International

The Minister of Education

Members from the United Bassa Organization of the United States

Members from the University of Liberia

Members from the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus

Members from the Grand Bassa University Student Association

Members from the Grand Bassa Council of Churches

Members from the Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu Education Foundation, Inc.

Members Tropical Lumber Corporation.

SECTION 3
QUORUM

The quorum shall be by a simple majority of the total membership of the Board present at any duly scheduled meeting.
SECTION 4
TENURE OF BOARD MEMBERS

Members of the Board of Directors of the Grand Bassa University except for the Chairman of the Board, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Liberia, the President of the Grand Bassa University shall serve for a four-year term; provided, however, that a member may be reelected to the Board if duly reappointed. The President of the University, and the Minister of Education shall continue to serve on the Board so long as they continue to hold their Offices. The Founder shall reserves the right to revoke the appointment of or nomination of a member from any of the nominating institutions and request for re-nomination.
ARTICLE IV
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD
SECTION 1
The Board of Directors of the Grand Bassa University shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties in relationship to the University and in furtherance of its objectives:

To make and use a common seal and to alter same at its will and pleasure.

To establish policies and guidelines for the recruitment, selection and appointment/ employment of faculty and administrative staff; to set guidelines for courses of instruction; to adopt procedures and standards for admission; to provide for proper regulations and control of students and for their housing and general welfare while in attendance; and do all other things appropriate in the establishment and conduct of the Grand Bassa University (GBU).

To award appropriate diplomas/degrees.

To receive gifts, grants, devises, and/ or purchase or otherwise acquire real property and hold same in fee simple or to deal with same in any manner provided in this Article; to receive gifts, grants, bequest lease and to purchase or otherwise acquire an Estate or interest in real or personal property including intangibles and to deal with same in any manner provided in this Article; and to use such property, real or personal directly or indirectly for purposes of said Grand Bassa University, or to sell, let, invest and re-invest or in any lawful manner exploit such property for the benefit of the institution; and income therefrom to be applied to the endowment and support of the institution in such a manner that is most effective for the promotion of the interest of the Grand Bassa University; for the growth of the institution, and improvement of its faculty, staff and student body;

To enter into and execute contracts and/or agreements; to mortgage real and personal property and in pursuance thereof to execute all deeds, bills of sale or other instruments in writing sealed with the common seal of the Board of Directors of the Grand Bassa University and when so signed and sealed in its corporate name by its order shall be considered in Law as the act of the said Board of Directors; provided however that Founder's ratification of Boards actions in the case of mergers, consolidations or sale of major assets is required.

To sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded against in all actions and to prosecute the same as may be necessary to final judgment and execution in the name of the Grand Bassa (GBU);

To approve the appointment of Deans of the various colleges, heads of various programs, and other members of faculty and administrative staff upon the nomination of the president of the Grand Bassa University (GBU);

To make such by-laws, rules and regulations as may be necessary for itself and for the efficient governance of the Grand Bassa University (GBU);

To confer the academic honors and degrees granted by similar institutions upon the recommendation of the faculty senate through the President of the Grand Bassa University and to confer honorary degrees upon the recommendation of the President of the Grand Bassa University and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors;

To do all other things as contained in the constitution and by-Laws of the Grand Bassa University not in consistent with this Article and the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, and to do all other acts necessary and expedient for the administration of the affairs and attainment of the objectives and purposes of the University;

To approve the annual budget of the Grand Bassa University.

SECTION 2

The Board of Directors may acquire public lands in the various counties and districts of the Republic of Liberia when necessary for the furtherance of the objectives and purposes of the Grand Bassa University and its various colleges.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT:
SECTION 1
The President of the Grand Bassa University shall be appointed by the Founder or his Legatees upon recommendation by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2

The President of the Grand Bassa University shall be the Secretary to the Board of Directors and shall participate in all discussions of the Board.
SECTION 3
The President shall have the authority to administer the affairs of the University within the framework of the Charter, Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Bassa University, and the Laws of the Republic of Liberia governing institution of higher learning. He shall submit to the Board of Directors an, Annual Report and such other reports as the Board may require covering the affairs and activities of the University.
SECTION 4

The President of the Grand Bassa University shall nominate to the Board of Directors for appointment such members as vice presidents, Deans of Colleges and Heads of various departments and other members of the academic and administrative staff of the University for its approval.
ARTICLE VI
COMPOSITION OF THE UNIVERSITY:

The College of Business

The Liberal& Fine Arts College

The College of Health Sciences

The College of Religious Studies

The College of Education

The College of Agriculture and Forestry

College of Science and Technology

ARTICLE VII
EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION
All properties belonging to the united Grand Bassa University and used for the University 's purposes, as well as all lands held by the said Grand Bassa University, whether improved or unimproved, shall be exempted from all forms of taxation either by the government of Liberia or by any county, municipality or any subdivision or administrative agency of the Republic of Liberia under the existing laws and policies of the Republic of Liberia.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1
The charter of the Grand Bassa University may be amended by an Act of the Legislature of the Republic of Liberia upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors and approved by the Founder(s) or his Legatee(s).
SECTION 2

If any provision of this Charter or any application of such a provision (s)to any circumstance whatsoever shall be held unconstitutional or void, the application of the other provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it was held unconstitutional or void shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 3
This Charter shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbills. Any law to the contrary nothwithstanding.
LAW #2
An Act creating the following Administrative Districts of Worr, Kporkon, Gheegbahn, Yeabloe, Gorblee, Blehzee, Nyuen-Wein, Doegbahn Glaydor and Kpowein, and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10, 2003
An Act creating the following Administrative Districts of Worr, Kporkon, Gheegbahn, Yeabloe, Gorblee, Blehzee, Nyuen-Wein, Doegbahn Glaydor and Kpowein and providing for the governance of the same within Grand Bassa County, REPULIC OF LIBERIA:
It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in Legislature assembled:
SECTION 1.
That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the areas heretofore known as, Teemor, Karvonziah, Owensgrove Commonwealth District hereinafter referred to as Kporkon, Campwood, Districts Number 2A and 2B, Districts Number 3A, 3B, 3C, Districts Number 4A, and 4B are hereby created and reconstituted as Administrative Districts respectively, to be administered each by a District Commissioner and be known and styled WORR ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT, to be headquartered in Jacob Larteh Town, KPORKON ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered in Owensgrove City within the DIAHN-BLAE STATUTORY DISTRICT; GHEEGBAHN ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered at Civil Compound, and YEABLOE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered at Yeablo Civil Compound, within the GLARKON STATUTORY DISTRICT; GORBLEE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered at Gardee Town , BLEHZEE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT, to be headquartered at Barsi-Giah Blee, and NYUEN-WEIN, ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquarted at Desohn Blee, within the WEE STATUTORY DISTRICT; KPOEWEIN ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered at Yonben Blee, and DOEGBAHN-GLAYDOR ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT to be headquartered at Flahn Town, within the KPOEGBAHN STATUTORY DISTRICT. SECTION 2.
That the boundary descriptions of each Administrative District, henceforth created, shall constitute all geographical territory commonly and precisely defined by the customary boundaries maintained by the areas prior to this enactment.
SECTION 3.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION:
That the President of the Republic of Liberia shall nominate and with the consent of the Liberian Senate, appoint a Administrative District Commissioner and all other officials necessary for the governance of each Administrative District and they shall enjoy all rights and privileges granted unto Government Officials in similar capacities in other Administrative Districts within the Republic of Liberia.
SECTION 4.
Henceforth, the President of the Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized and empowered to put into immediate effect and to execute all appropriate and necessary measures for the organization and functions and political representation subject to constitutional requirements of each Administrative District hereby created, declared and established.
SECTION 5.
This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbill. ANY LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOT WITHSTANDING.
LAW# 3
An Act renaming the following Townships of: Harlandville Township, Harmonville Township, and Tubmanville Township within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10, 2003
An Act renaming the following townships of Harlandsville Township, Harmonville Township, and Tubmanville Township within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in assembled:
SECTION 1.

That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the Township of Harlandsville, Township of Harmonville and the Township of Tubmanville are respectively renamed each to be know and styled, Derbah Township instead of Township of Harlandsville, Goeyah Township instead of Township of Harmonville and Gbae-Wein Township instead of Township of Tubmanville.
SECTION 2.
EFFECT OF THIS ACT:
All provisions of the Acts creating the Townships affected by this act remain unaffected except the provision specifically naming the Townships mentioned hereinabove.
SECTION 3.
This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbills. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
LAW # 4

An Act creating the following Statutory Districts of Diahn-Blae, Glarkon, Gorblee, Kpobgahn and Neekreen and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10, 2003

An Act creating the following Statutory Districts of Diahn-Blae, Glarkon, Gorblee, Kpobgahn and Neekreen and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.

It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in Legislature assembled:
SECTION 1.
That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the areas heretofore known as District Number 1A, 1B, Owensgrove Commonwealth District, hereinafter referred to as Kporkon, Llyodsville Township, Kingsville Township, the City Corporation of Edina, Yoeyah Chiefdom, District Number 2A, 2B, St. John River City Corporation, District Number 3A, 3B, 3C, District Number 4A, 4B, Neekreen Township, Derbah Township, (formerly Harlandsville Township), Goeyah Township (formerly Harmonville Township) and Gbae-wein Township (formerly Tubmanville Township) are hereby reconstituted and created as body politic to be known and styled respectively as DIAHN-BLAE STATUTORY DISTRICT which shall comprise the areas formerly known as District Number 1A, 1B, Owensgrove Commonwealth District, Llordsville Township, Kingsville Township,Yoeyah Chiefdom and the City Corporation of Edina to be headquartered at Worr Civil Compound; GLARKON STATUTORY DISTRICT which shall comprise areas formerly known as District Number 2A and 2B, and St. John River City Corporation to be headquartered at Gotroyah, formerly known as Fortsville ;WEE STATUTORY DISTRICT which shall comprise areas formerly known as District Number 3A, 3B and 3C, to be headquartered at Gorblee Civil Compound; KPOGBAHN STATUTORY DISTRICT, which shall comprise areas formerly know as District Number 4A and 4B, to be headquartered at Timbo River City andNEEKREEN STATUTORY DISTRICTwhich shall comprise, Neekreen Township, Derbah Township, Goeyah Township and Gbae-wein Township, to be headquartered at Neekreen City, and to be administered each by a statutory District Superintendent within Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia.
SECTION 2.

That the boundary descriptions of each STATUTORY DISTRICT, henceforth created shall constitute all geographical territory commonly and precisely defined by the customary boundaries maintained by the areas prior to this enactment.
SECTION 3.
STATUTORY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: That the President of the Republic of Liberia shall nominate and with the consent of the Liberia Senate, appoint a Statutory District Superintendent and other officials necessary for the governance of each Statutory District and they shall enjoy all rights and privileges granted unto Government Officials in similar capacities in other Statutory Districts within the Republic of Liberia.
SECTION 4.
Henceforth, the President of the Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized and empowered to put into immediate effect and to execute all appropriate and necessary measures for the organization and functions of each Statutory District hereby created, declared and established.
SECTION 5.
This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbill. Any law to the contrary not withstanding.
LAW# 5

An Act renaming the following cities of Buchanan, Upper Buchanan, Fortsville, Harrisville, Hartford, Edina within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10,2003
An Act renaming the following cities of Buchanan, Upper Buchanan, Fortsville, Harrisville, Hartford, Edina within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in Legislature assembled:
SECTION 1.
That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the City of Buchanan, the City of Upper Buchanan, the City of Fortsville, the City of Harrisville and the City of Hartford, and Edina City are renamed each to be know and styled, Gbezohn City, instead of Buchanan City, Gozohn City, instead of Upper Buchanan, Dbarhn-Wein City instead Hartford City, Wakah Blee instead of the City of Harrisville Gotroyah City, instead of Fortsville, and Yoeyah City instead of Edina City.
SECTION 2.
EFFECT OF THIS ACT:

All provisions of the Acts creating the Cities affected by this act remain unaffected except the provision specifically naming the cities mentioned hereinabove.
SECTION 3.

This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbills. Any law to the contrary nowithstanding.
LAW # 6

An Act creating the following Chiefdoms respectively and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA,
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10, 2003
An Act creating the following Chiefdoms respectively and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.

It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in Legislature assembled:
SECTION 1.

That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the areas of Saye-wein, Worr-Wein, Gozohn, Mehn-Wein, Nyuni-Wein, Soenee-wein Clan, Doe Clan, and Wheenzohn Clan, Doe-Wein Clan, Giah Clan, Yeanahn Clan and Bassa Point; Gbor, Gogo-Wein , Markar, Somagee; Gbein-korh, Gbakon-Wae, Giahbah Zondo and Neesun are hereby created and reconstituted as body politic to be know and styled respectively as Teemor Chiefdom, which shall comprise Saye-Wein Clan, Worr-Wein Clan and Gozohn Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound, Karvonziah Chiefdom, which shall comprise Mehn-Wein Clan, and Nyuni-Wein Clan to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound within WORR ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT; Kporkon Chiefdom, which shall comprise Doe-wein Clan, Giah Clan, Yeanahn Clan and Bassa Point to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound; Yoeyah Chiefdom which shall comprise Soenee-Wein Clan, Doe Clan and Wheenzohn Clan, to be headquartered at Noryu-Blee within KPORKON ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT; Gbor Chiefdom which shall comprise, Gbor Clan, Jungle Clan and Chan Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound; Gogo-Wein Chiefdom, which shall comprise Gogo-Wein Clan and Boe-Glayhn Clan , to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound, within GHEEGBAHN ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT; Markar Chiefdom which shall comprise Marblee Clan and Karblee Clan to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound, and Somagee Chiefdom which comprise Blae-Lar Clan, Gee-Blee Clan, Zuzohn Clan and Marlor Clan, to be heardquartered at Chiefdom Compound within YEA BLOE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT; Gbein-korh Chiefdom which shall comprise Gbein-Wein Clan, Korh Clan and Sekepoh Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound, and Gbakon-Wae Chiefdom which shall comprise Kpoe Clan and Joegbar Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound within the KPOEWEIN ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT; Giahbah Zondo Chiefdom which shall comprise Doe Gbahn Clan, Gianda Clan, Kpoegblen Clan and Feetua Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound and Neesun Chiefdom which shall comprise Neepu Clan and Neetohn Clan, to be headquartered at Chiefdom Compound within the Doegbahn-Glaydor Administrative District.
SECTION 2.
That the boundary descriptions of each Chiefdom, henceforth created, shall constitute all geographical territory commonly and precisely defined by the customary boundaries maintained by the areas prior to this enactment.
SECTION 3.
CHIEFTAINCY ADMINISTRATION:

That the Chiefdoms and Clans hereby created shall be entitled to such Paramount Chiefs, Clan Chiefs, respectively, and other elected officials as are prescribed and determined by the Local Government Law of the Republic of Liberia.
SECTION 4

Henceforth, the President of the Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized and empowered to put into immediate effect and to execute all appropriate and necessary measures for the organization and functions of each chiefdom hereby created, declared and established.
SECTION 5
This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbills. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
LAW # 7

An Act creating the following Townships of Goingbo, Tarr-Wureh, Marlor, Vambo and Whoe-Gbahn and providing for the governance of same within Grand Bassa County, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 10,2003

It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA in Legislature assembled:
SECTION 1.
That from and immediately following the passage of this Act the areas heretofore known as GOINGBO CLAN, PETER HARRIS CLAN, VAMBO CLAN, MARLOR CLAN AND WHOE-GBAHN CLAN are herby created and declared as GOINGBO TOWNSHIP, TARR-WUREH TOWNSHIP (formerly known as Peter Harris Clan), MARLOR TOWNSHIPP, VAMBO TOWNSHIP and WHOEGBAHN TOWHSHIP each to be headed by a Township Commissioner.
SECTION 2. TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION:

That the corporate power of GOINGBO TOWNSHIP, TARR-WUREH TOWNSHIP, VAMBO TOWNSHIP, MARLOR TOWNSHIP, and WHOEGBAHN TOWNSHIP are hereby created and shall be exercised by a Township Commissioner for each Township, who shall be appointed to office by the President of the Republic of Liberia and shall serve at the pleasure of the President. In addition to the Township Commissioner, the affairs of each Township shall be conducted by the following officers: A Town Clerk, a Treasurer, Three Road Overseers, and three Constables, all of whom shall be elected by the annual Town meeting and shall assist the Township Commissioner in conducting the affairs of the Township as most precisely defined by Local Government Laws.
SECTION 3.
That the boundary description of the GOINGBO TOWNSHIP, TARR-WUREH TOWNSHIP, VAMBO TOWNSHIP, MARLOR TOWNSHIP and WHOEGBAHN TOWNSHIP as created shall be eight square miles and/or more precisely defined by the Local Government Laws including the customary boundaries maintained by the areas prior to this enactment.
SECTION 4

Henceforth, the President of the Republic of Liberia is hereby authorized and empowered to put into immediate effect and to execute all appropriate and necessary measures for the organization and functions of the township hereby created, declared and established.
SECTION 5

This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in Handbills. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.