By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
Liberia’s President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has frowned at the Administration of the Buchanan Port for the snail pace of work done to improve facilities at the Port.
The President during his unannounced assessment of the Buchanan Port, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, had a facial expression and tune that insinuated that he is not happy with the facilities and quality delivery of the Buchanan Port and intimated that more works need to be done to improve the facilities and quality delivery of the port.
President Boakai, when asked about the progress of work done at the Port, averred that “If there is any development so far, it’s what we are talking about. If there is none, we will talk about it because we need this port.”
The President stated that the port of Buchanan is one of the economy’s vital utensils for Liberia’s growth and development. Therefore, he believes the Port is more needed to facilitate the economic growth of Liberia – adding that it will be used as a transit point for investors to harbor. “We need Buchanan Port more than ever before because all the investors we will get are going to come to Buchanan Port.”
The Port of Buchanan which is Liberia’s second-largest harbor is safeguarded by two breakwaters measuring 1,890 meters and 590 meters in length. Within the basin, there is a 225-meter-long ore loading quay adjacent to a commercial loading quay, both offering a water depth of 10.5 meters below the chart datum.
In recent times, the port has faced significant challenges due to coastal erosion. In May 2024, rising sea levels caused substantial damage to the port’s infrastructure, including the destruction of electrical wiring and operational disruptions. Port Manager Jonathan L. Kaipay has highlighted the urgent need for a coastal defense system, estimating construction costs between US$1-2 million.
Operational challenges have also been noted, such as overcrowding and equipment malfunctions. The workforce has expanded from the typical 40-50 employees to 73, along with 111 contractors. Efforts are underway to modernize the port’s facilities, enhance workforce efficiency through training, and attract potential investors to stimulate economic growth in the region.
Regarding the port’s governance, discussions have been ongoing about granting autonomy to the Port of Buchanan, along with the ports of Greenville and Harper. In July 2024, the Liberian Senate considered legislation to decentralize these ports to improve efficiency and transparency. Proponents argue that autonomy would enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and contribute to national development.
However, this proposal has faced opposition. In November 2024, Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Findley rejected the autonomy bill, advocating instead for the privatization of the ports. He contended that privatization would attract investment, bring in expertise, and relieve the government of management burdens. Findley also criticized the bill for retaining presidential appointment powers, suggesting it would not lead to meaningful change.
