By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has expressed deep disappointment over the poor state of infrastructure and the slow progress of development at the Buchanan Port.
During an assessment visit at the port on Saturday, April 5, 2025, President Boakai stern expression and critical tone clearly conveyed his frustration with the port’s current condition.
He emphasized that the level of work done so far is unacceptable and called for immediate and decisive action to upgrade the facility.
“The importance of this port cannot be overstated,” he said. “If there is any progress made, it is what we are evaluating. If there is none, we must address it because we cannot afford delays. We need this port functioning at full capacity,” he maintained.
He described the Buchanan Port as a strategic asset vital to Liberia’s economic development and a key gateway for foreign investment.
According to him, a fully operational and modernized port is essential for stimulating growth and positioning Liberia as a serious player in regional trade.
“We need Buchanan Port more than ever before. Every investor we attract is going to look to this port. It must be ready,” he added.
It can be recalled, on Saturday June 8, 2024, Executive Director of the Port of Buchanan called on the Government of Liberia through the Senate to recognize the urgent need for a coastal defense project as a national emergency.
Addressing the press, Executive Director of the Port of Buchanan, Mr. Jonathan Lambort Kaipay said that, the Senate should allocate funds in the upcoming national budget to initiate this critical project.
According to Kaipay, President Boakai needs to bring this proposal to the attention of strategic partners and developing countries experienced in coastal defense, seeking their expertise and assistance to protect Liberia’s vulnerable coastal regions.
“The situation is not only affecting the port of Buchanan but the entire Grand Bassa County, the coastal defense project will mitigate these risks through collaborative efforts and international support, ensuring a sustainable and secure future for Liberia,” he said.
“Over the years, the coastal defense budget was about 2 million United States dollars, the port of Buchanan is a huge investment all by itself, If we are calling it an emergency it’s beyond NPA management and financial capacity, because it will cost millions of dollars,” Kaipay asserted.
However, the Port of Buchanan, Liberia’s second-largest harbor, is safeguarded by two breakwaters measuring 1,890 meters and 590 meters respectively.
It features a 225-meter-long ore loading quay alongside a commercial loading quay, with both offering a water depth of 10.5 meters below chart datum.
Despite its potential, the port has been plagued by a series of challenges. In May 2024, severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including electrical systems, resulting in operational setbacks.
Port Manager Jonathan L. Kaipay has warned that without a coastal defense system estimated to cost between US$1–2 million the port remains at high risk of further degradation.
Amid these challenges, discussions continue around restructuring port governance in July 2024, the Senate reviewed a bill aimed at granting autonomy to the ports of Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper, with the goal of improving transparency and efficiency. Supporters of the bill argue that autonomy would boost competitiveness and facilitate development.
However, the proposed legislation has met resistance. Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Findley strongly opposed the autonomy bill in November 2024, instead advocating for full privatization of the ports.
He argued that private investment and professional management are critical to revitalizing the port system and criticized the bill’s retention of presidential appointment powers as a barrier to real reform.
President Boakai’s visit has renewed national focus on the Buchanan Port, putting pressure on the National Port Authority and lawmakers to deliver transformative change
