Monrovia, Liberia – April 6, 2025 – His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the infrastructure development of the Port of Buchanan. The President made this statement during a tour of the port’s facilities in Grand Bassa County over the weekend, describing the port as vital to the economic transformation of the nation.
“The Government of Liberia needs the Port of Buchanan now more than ever before,” President Boakai declared. “The ports of Liberia serve as the gateway to our economy. Their efficiency and development are essential to our country’s economic viability.”
The President’s visit, marking the first by a sitting Liberian leader in decades, was warmly received by Port Director Hon. Jonathan Lambort Kaipay on behalf of the Senior Management team of the National Port Authority (NPA), led by Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly. Director Kaipay expressed his gratitude for the historic visit and briefed the President on ongoing challenges at the port, including the deteriorating breakwater, which continues to pose operational risks. He highlighted the NPA’s collaboration with strategic technical partners to conduct a comprehensive assessment that covers coastal defense, port expansion, and long-term development plans for the Port of Buchanan.
In his remarks, NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration Hon. James R. Bernard emphasized that the President’s visit underscores the government’s resolve to improve port infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and national development. Hon. Bernard also expressed appreciation for President Boakai’s ongoing support and leadership in the modernization of Liberia’s port system. He reiterated the NPA’s commitment to transforming Liberia’s ports into world-class gateways for trade and investment.
Speaking to reporters, President Boakai shared that his trip to Buchanan was initially to visit the father of Senate President Pro Tempore, Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence. He further explained that upon the Senate President’s request, he took the opportunity to visit the Port—an endeavor he had already planned. “If there is any development so far, that’s what we are talking about. If there is none, we will talk about it as well,” the President noted candidly.
President Boakai also took the opportunity to commend the NPA for the significant strides made at the Port of Buchanan in recent months, which have contributed to enhanced operational efficiency and improved port security.
Over the past several months, the National Port Authority has successfully met the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliance standards, elevating security measures at both the Ports of Buchanan and the Freeport of Monrovia. Additionally, new lighting infrastructure has been installed, enhancing visibility and safety for personnel and docking vessels at the Freeport of Monrovia, Port of Buchanan, and the Port of Greenville.
President Boakai’s visit highlights the critical role of Liberia’s ports in stimulating national development and the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, security, and operational efficiency for the benefit of the Liberian economy.
