Former Chairman of the National Traditional Council of Liberia (NTCL), Chief Zanzan Karwor, has alleged that doctors at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center amputated his leg based on what he now claims was a misdiagnosis of diabetes, a development that is raising serious concerns about possible medical malpractice.
Speaking from his sick bed at a local clinic in Monrovia, the former head of Liberia’s traditional chiefs said his leg was removed after physicians at JFK Hospital diagnosed him with diabetes while he was hospitalized. Supporters close to the family now contend that a later medical review at another clinic reportedly found that he was only pre-diabetic, a claim that has intensified public scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the procedure.
The situation gained national attention after STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu visited Chief Karwor on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Morlu described the case as both malpractice and state neglect. “Chief Zanzan Karwor: From ‘Chief of Chiefs’ to victim of state neglect. JFK amputated his leg on a diabetes diagnosis; later, a clinic found he was only pre-diabetic, an indictment of malpractice and a grave violation of human dignity,” Morlu wrote.
Morlu further attributed the chief’s declining health condition to what he termed systemic neglect, arguing that a man who once led traditional authorities across the country now finds himself struggling without adequate institutional support. His statement has since triggered debate on social media, with many calling for transparency from the country’s premier referral hospital.
Chief Karwor, a native of Grand Bassa County, served as Chairman of the NTCL from 2006 until early August 2024, when a democratic transition ended his tenure. During his leadership, he worked under successive administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah, representing chiefs and elders nationwide.
Now facing life as an amputee, Karwor must confront the physical and psychological trauma associated with such a life-altering surgery. Family members say his health remains fragile and are appealing to the public and government authorities for assistance to help cover mounting medical expenses.
Grand Bassa County District 2 Representative Clarence T. Banks also visited the ailing traditional leader at the clinic where he is receiving treatment. During the visit, Rep. Banks made an initial financial contribution toward the chief’s medical bills and pledged to provide an air conditioner to improve the conditions of his hospital room.
Chief Karwor expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s gesture, recalling the political contributions of his wife, former District 2 Representative Mary Karwor. “People can lie. My woman, Mary Karwor, was the representative of your district that you won, and people were talking many things about you,” the chief said. “Thank you for coming to see me. I am satisfied seeing you. You are my brother.”
Rep. Banks assured the former NTCL chairman of continued support and emphasized unity and cultural respect. “I’ll do my best. I spoke with the doctor and the nurses. We will continue to visit you and wish you a speedy recovery,” Banks said. “It is about time we all come together to help you. You are one of our kinsmen and our chief.”
