Quardu Gboni District

Quardu Gboni District also spelled Quardu Bondi or Quardu Gbondi is one of the seven administrative districts of Lofa County, located in northern Liberia. This district is widely recognized for its predominantly Mandingo Muslim population, rich cultural identity, agricultural economy, and peaceful coexistence. It shares a border with the Republic of Guinea to the north and is adjacent to Voinjama District to the east. Its administrative center, Barkedu, is the largest and most prominent town in the district and was recently designated as a township.

Geography and Location

Geographically, Quardu Gboni covers an estimated 33,000 hectares (about 82,000 acres), consisting of fertile upland forests, rolling hills, valleys, and several streams and rivers. The landscape is characteristic of Liberia’s northern ecological zone and is highly suitable for agriculture. A longstanding boundary dispute with Voinjama District was officially resolved in 2020, with Daziza Creek declared as the legal boundary after nearly 80 years of ethnic and land-related tensions. This resolution was made possible through governmental intervention and community engagement that aimed to ease disputes between the Mandingo and Lorma communities, particularly in contested areas like Sarmodu and Selega.

Population and Demographics

With an estimate of about 21,673 inhabitants according to the 2022 Liberia Population and Housing Census of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), Quardu Gboni District has achieved modest but continuous population growth with a 15.4% increase over 2008's 18,785 population. Mandingo ethnic group overwhelmingly dominates the population of the district, being a people originally noted for trading activities, farming, and Islamic learning. Over 99% of the inhabitants identify themselves as Sunni Muslims belonging to the Maliki school of Islam. Mandingo is the predominant language but English is used for educational purposes as well as in administration.

Administrative Structure

It is run for administrative purposes under the Lofa County Superintendent's authority with a district commissioner in charge. It has over 30 towns and villages within it, such as Barkedu, Tusu Town, Wankendu, Mamekonnedu, Nyama Kamadu, Wamanor, Kuruka, Bolongoidu, and many others. Barkedu is not just the administrative headquarters but is also a center for religious activities and commerce.

Economy and Livelihoods

The district’s economy is primarily agrarian, with most residents engaged in subsistence farming, cultivating rice, cassava, and vegetables. Cocoa and coffee serve as the main cash crops, and small-scale livestock farming supports household income. Local markets—especially in Barkedu—serve as important centers of trade and commerce. Quardu Gboni, like much of Lofa County, benefits from rich soil and favorable climatic conditions that make it part of Liberia’s historic “breadbasket.”

History and Land Disputes

Culturally, Quardu Gboni is rooted in Mandingo Islamic traditions, with strong communal governance structures involving chiefs, elders, and imams. Religious life is central to the community, with mosques serving both spiritual and civic purposes. One notable historical landmark was a “monkey bridge” across the Lofa River, which once symbolized the strong trade ties and peaceful coexistence between Barkedu and nearby Lorma settlements, although this bridge was later abandoned as Islam became more dominant in the region.

Notable Figures

Two prominent national figures hail from Quardu Gboni. Edward Kesselly, the founder of the Unity Party and former Minister of Information, was born in the district. Another highly respected native son was Alhaji G. V. Kromah, a prominent journalist, politician, and rebel leader during the First Liberian Civil War. Kromah, who was born in Tusu Town, served in various leadership roles, including founding the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO), and left a significant mark on Liberian politics.

Culture and Religious Life

The climate in Quardu Gboni is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season typically runs from mid-April to mid-October, while the dry season spans November through March. Temperatures range from 24 to 30°C (75–85°F), and the region receives an average of 2,900 mm of rainfall annually. Natural resources include fertile farmland, forest timber, freshwater streams, and rivers that support farming and daily living.

Following the resolution of the land dispute and the end of Liberia’s civil wars, Quardu Gboni has taken part in several peacebuilding and development initiatives. These include joint efforts by the government and NGOs to promote reconciliation, particularly between Lorma and Mandingo communities. The district has also benefited from County Development Fund (CDF) allocations aimed at supporting infrastructure and basic services.