Monrovia – The National Transit Authority (NTA), under the leadership of Managing Director Edmund Forh, has officially broken ground for the construction of its new administrative headquarters while simultaneously launching a comprehensive five-year strategic plan aimed at transforming Liberia’s transportation sector.
The dual ceremony took place on Friday, June 13, 2025, and brought together a cross section of dignitaries, including senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the NTA community.
Presiding over the groundbreaking event was the Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, Mr. Richard Nagbe Koon, who praised the vision of the NTA’s current leadership. He described the initiative as a milestone that demonstrates the NTA’s commitment to progress and transformation. Among the prominent attendees were H.E. Manoji Bihari Verma, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Liberia; Mr. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, Minister of Transport; Rev. Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Liberia Annual Conference; H.E. Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt; and Mr. Uriah Pour, Executive Director of the Independent Human Rights Commission. Members of the NTA Board, led by Mr. Benedict Y. Harleyson, Sr., as well as the NTA’s full workforce and residents of the surrounding community, were also present.
The new administrative complex valued at approximately US$596,600 is scheduled for completion within one year. This development comes after the former headquarters was destroyed by fire on May 5, 2022. Since then, the NTA has been operating out of temporary structures. The planned one-story building will include a canteen and multiple office spaces on the ground floor, while the upper floor will house Directors’ offices and a modern conference room. A security booth is also included in the design.
As part of the ceremony, Managing Director Edmund Forh unveiled the NTA’s five-year Strategic Plan, a blueprint for improving Liberia’s public transportation infrastructure and service delivery. He extended his appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for unwavering support, which he credited for garnering cooperation from key government institutions such as the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Ministry of Transport.
The strategic plan is structured around four key goals:
1. Enhancing and Broadening Mobility – Estimated cost: US$27,958,112
2. Enhancing Economic Vitality – Estimated cost: US$6,288,504
3. Improving Quality of Life for Communities – Estimated cost: US$987,250
4. Enhancing Infrastructure – Estimated cost: US$500
The total projected cost for implementing the entire plan stands at approximately US$27, 958,912.00.
Making a brief remark at the program, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon commended Forh’s leadership and recalled their longstanding relationship dating back to school and party affiliations. He voiced strong confidence in the NTA’s management team and pledged to work closely with relevant legislative committees to secure necessary appropriations for the plan’s execution.
“I promise to sit with the management team to review the strategic plan. Once it’s found to be realistic and achievable, I will ensure it receives the needed support from the House,” Speaker Koon stated. In a gesture of support, Speaker Koon also pledged US$5,000, a truckload of crushed rock, a truckload of sand, and 200 bags of cement to help kick start the construction of the new headquarters.
The groundbreaking and strategic plan launch mark a significant turning point for the NTA, signaling a renewed focus on infrastructure, service delivery, and inclusive transportation development across Liberia. With strong government backing and a clear roadmap, the Authority appears poised to deliver on its vision of accessible and efficient public transit for all Liberians.
