–Following National Convention
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has officially announced its plans to relocate its national headquarters to Towel Hill in Margibi County. This decision comes as the association prepares for its upcoming national convention.
Currently housed in the historic home of Liberia’s first President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the LNBA was established on February 4, 1907, by an act of the National Legislature. The association comprises lawyers, judges, and law students dedicated to promoting access to justice, upholding legal professional ethics, and strengthening the bonds among its members and with foreign bar associations.
During a press conference on Saturday, November 23, 2024, Cllr. Bobby Livingstone, chairperson of the LNBA’s national project committee, confirmed that as of January 2025, the Bar will no longer operate from its traditional headquarters on Ashmum Street in Monrovia. He announced that the LNBA is currently implementing a contract worth US$211,146 for the construction and completion of the first floor of its new headquarters in Margibi County.
“After four months of bidding, the Bar has entered into a contract with Giss Engineering Company to complete the first floor of the headquarters within eight months,” Cllr. Livingstone stated.
Cllr. Sylvester Rennie, the national president of the Bar Association, expressed his commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the new headquarters before the transition of Barleadership in January. “For too long, the LNBA has been situated in rented buildings; it is time for us to move forward,” he remarked. He also acknowledged the challenges of constructing a national headquarters, particularly in sourcing revenue from partners and Bar members.
In addition to the relocation announcement, the LNBA will convene for its national convention on Thursday, November 28, to elect a new leadership team. Cllr. Rennie emphasized that the newly elected officials will be tasked with advancing the construction of the national headquarters. He noted that he and previous leadership have made significant progress, bringing the project to the completion of the first floor.
As the LNBA embarks on this new chapter, the association aims to strengthen its role in the legal community and enhance its capacity to serve the people of Liberia.
