LOFA COUNTY, LIBERIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially broken ground for the construction of an 86-kilometer asphalt pavement highway stretching from Mendikorma in Foya District to Voinjama City, the capital of Lofa County, in what government officials describe as a major milestone in Liberia’s infrastructure and regional integration agenda.
According to a statement published on the official Facebook page of the Executive Mansion, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, traditional leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai emphasized the strategic significance of the road corridor, noting that the project goes beyond Lofa County and carries major regional and economic importance for Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
“Where this project is,” the President stated, “it is going to serve not just the people of Lofa,” while highlighting the strong cultural, ethnic, and commercial ties shared among communities across the Mano River region.
The Liberian leader described the highway as a critical development corridor that will improve regional connectivity, stimulate trade, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen relations among neighboring countries.
Boakai Calls for Unity Over Political Division
Using the occasion to deliver a broader national message, President Boakai urged Liberians to set aside divisive politics and focus instead on national development and future generations.
“To those fighting,” the President declared, “it is Liberia that matters most, as we need development to open up every part of this country to create opportunities for the younger and next generations to come.”
Boakai stressed that Liberia’s progress depends on collective responsibility, patriotism, and national unity.
“There is nowhere else called Liberia that we know as ours,” the President said. “Let all of us work together to make this country better, as this is where God has given us. We must take responsibility to develop it.”
The comments come amid increasing political tensions and public debates over governance, development priorities, and national direction under the Boakai administration.
Praise for Public Works Ministry’s Turnaround
President Boakai also used the event to commend the Ministry of Public Works for what he described as a remarkable improvement in performance and commitment.
The President acknowledged that the ministry initially appeared hesitant and slow in executing parts of the government’s infrastructure agenda but praised what he called a “dramatic turnaround” in recent months.
He specifically applauded Public Works Minister Lafayette Roland Giddings and his team for demonstrating courage, dedication, and renewed determination in advancing road development projects across the country.
Boakai urged the ministry to sustain the momentum and ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the Mendicorma–Voinjama corridor project.
Regional Cooperation Highlighted
The President further praised Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio for strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Boakai noted that the highway project would significantly benefit the Mano River Union region because of its proximity to both Sierra Leone and Guinea, potentially boosting cross-border trade, transportation, and economic activities.
“This road will serve as a booster for the regional economy,” the President asserted.
The project forms part of the Boakai administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at improving road connectivity nationwide, especially in historically underserved regions.
Officials Hail Project as Historic
Several senior government officials and stakeholders delivered remarks during the ceremony, describing the project as historic and transformative for both Liberia and the wider sub-region.
Among those making statements were Local Government Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas P. Fallah, Lofa County Legislative Caucus Chairman Joseph K. Jallah, and representatives from Sierra Leone and the private sector.
Also speaking was Mr. Alimou Sami Barrie, Chief Executive Officer of Pavifort Associates, the construction company contracted to execute the project.
Stakeholders at the ceremony expressed optimism that the road project will improve transportation, reduce travel time, stimulate agriculture and commerce, and create jobs for local communities.
The Mendicorma–Voinjama highway project is expected to become one of the flagship road initiatives under President Boakai’s administration as Liberia intensifies efforts to modernize critical national infrastructure and strengthen regional economic integration.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter).
