“Black Gina” death draws politicians

The death of a prominent Liberian businessman and traditionalist, Daouda Konneh, otherwise known as “Black Gina” has attracted the attention of many Liberians, especially politicians and government officials.

Several officials of government and politicians have visited the deceased’s residence a.k.a. “Black Gina” compound in Jacob Town community, the commercial district of Paynesville in the suburb of Monrovia to pay tribute to the fallen Muslim, an ethnic Mandingo.

He made the community famous by naming it after his nick-name, “Black Gina”. Residents of the area are predominantly Muslims.

Daouda Konneh died on Thursday, 28 May at age 72 and subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

He was born in Zolowo Town, Salayea District, Lofa County on July 10, 1942, and left to mourn five widows and 25 children, many of whom reside in the United States, Guinea and Sierra Leone, respectively.

The death of the renowned Liberian traditionalist and entrepreneur has turned the entire “Black Gina” community into a political ground where politicians gather to make speeches apparently to win votes of Muslims ahead of elections in 2017.

Speaking recently in the community, Congress for Democratic Change or CDC Montserrado County District#5 Representative, Thomas Fallah, paid tribute to the late Daouda Konneh and consoled the bereaved family, while extending greetings on behalf of CDC political leader, Senator George Weah.

Rep. Fallah said the Congress for Democratic Change regrets the death of Mr. Konneh, saying, “We from the CDC are sorry for the death of oldman “Black Gina”; it is our commitment as a party to come and identify with you in your bereavement; as a former representative of this district, who is being transferred to District #5, I am pleased to say to you, have my sympathy for the lost of the oldman.”

Bong County Representative Samuel Korka, was also present to pay his tribute, while the ruling Unity Party’s Representative for Montserrado County District #2, Sakou Kanneh, expressed regret for the home-going of Mr. Konneh.

Representative Sakou Kanneh, a Muslims, overwhelmingly swept the “Black Gina” community during the 2011 General and Presidential Elections. Edited by Jonathan Browne