By Linus Flomo
/BASSA
President Joseph Boakai has pledged his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the Buchanan Seaport.
He made the commitment during the weekend in Buchanan City describing the facility as a “critical national asset” vital to Liberia’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
During a visit at the port on Saturday, April 5, the President expressed concern over the facility’s underdevelopment and emphasized the urgency of transforming it to meet modern commercial demands.
His tour of the port comes amid growing calls from local leaders for greater attention to the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
“This visit is long overdue,” President Boakai admitted, acknowledging repeated invitations from Grand Bassa County Senator and Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
The senator has been a consistent advocate for reviving one of Liberia’s largest and most historically significant seaports.
Guided by Port Director Jonathan Karpay, Boakai toured the dilapidated infrastructure, noting the port’s inability to accommodate larger vessels or handle high cargo volumes.
“The Buchanan Seaport cannot boast of any major development at this time,” he said. “Massive improvements are required if we are to maximize the port’s potential and ensure it plays its role in national development.”
Originally constructed by LAMCO to facilitate iron ore exports from Nimba County, the Buchanan Seaport was heavily damaged during the civil war. Since 2005, the area has been operated by ArcelorMittal, which took over LAMCO’s facilities and is currently advancing a second phase of development.
The President’s visit also coincided with the 95th birthday celebration of Dr. Abba Karnga, a revered community leader in Grand Bassa County, further highlighting the occasion’s symbolic importance.
As Liberia aims to rebuild its economy and expand its export capacity, the Buchanan Seaport stands as a linchpin in the nation’s broader infrastructure agenda.
“Our development vision must be anchored in strong, functional infrastructure,” the President said. “Revitalizing Buchanan is not just a regional concern it’s a national imperative.”
