MONROVIA, LIBERIA-A joint border post to enhance trade efficiency, reduce transit delays and promote seamless movement of goods and people is being constructed between Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone.
It followed a groundbreaking ceremony among the governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and ECOWAS over the weekend at Bo-waterside in Grand Cape Mount County.
The cost of the Joint Border Post, according to authorities, is twenty-six million US Dollars.
It is also designed to integrate border communities on both sides, strengthen cross-border cooperation and boost regional connectivity.
During the official ceremony, officials from both countries expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for the initiative.
The twenty-acre land Joint Border Post Project, which started over the weekend, is expected to be completed by November 25, 2027.
Senior officials of government from the two countries, as well as the Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tghin-tchi-bid-ja, among others, graced the occasion.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has disclosed that the Jendema-Bo Waterside Joint Border Post was selected as a major highlight of the community’s upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations, symbolising ECOWAS’ enduring vision of a borderless West Africa.
At the same time, Madam Tchin-tchi-bid-ja has called on citizens of both countries to take ownership of the project.
She said,” Though the ECOWAS is fully leading the project, the support of the two countries is crucial to accelerate the work and meet the implementation deadline”.
According to her, the project will reduce accidents, promote regional integration, socio-economic development and lower the cost of trade and cross-border movements, among others.
The project integrates infrastructure development with facilitation measures aimed at improving the movement of people and goods between ECOWAS member states.
The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission emphasised that the project will help de-congest and clear border posts currently obstructed by vehicles and delivery services, some of which remain stalled for days.
At the same time, Liberia’s Justice Minister Oswald Tweh says the project aligns with President Boakai’s broader plan to enhance economic activities and strengthen security across Liberia and neighbouring countries.
Minister Tweh said,” The project will ease travel for citizens, reduce delays during transit, and promote the free flow of goods and services”.
He disclosed that the government is currently working out modalities to pave major roads across the country and allow smooth movement for citizens and foreign investors.
Cllr. Tweh praised ECOWAS Commission for spearheading the initiative and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that the project meets its intended objectives.
For her part, the Deputy Minister of Finance for Budget, Tenneh Brunson, has described the project as a significant milestone for peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and governance reform.
Minister Brunson emphasised that the project represents a tangible day-to-day benefit that the citizens of Liberia and Sierra Leone will directly experience.
She said,” The project will serve as a key entry point for cross-border traders, while enhancing security coordination, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening the cordial relationship between the two sisterly countries.
According to Minister Brunson, the initiative not only aligns with Liberia’s national development plan, but also supports the broader ECOWAS’ mission of expanding and modernising infrastructure throughout the sub-region.