The Liberian Government, under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has intensified efforts to construct a national conference center in Suakoko District, Bong County, in what officials have described as a key step toward decentralizing development and expanding national infrastructure beyond Monrovia.
The Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA), Galakpai W. Kortimai, made the disclosure over the weekend following a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Suakoko, where government and local leaders discussed progress on the project.
Kortimai explained that the people and authorities of Bong County have provided 50 acres of land for the construction of the facility, which is expected to host major national and international conferences once completed.
He praised the gesture, describing it as a strong demonstration of community partnership in national development.
“We want to commend the leadership and people of Bong County, especially Suakoko District, for providing access to the land for this important national project,” Kortimai stated.
According to him, the first phase of the project has already been completed using funds allocated in a previous national budget. He said the government has now entered the consultation stage for the next phase, which will determine the full scale and design of the facility.
Kortimai outlined that the upcoming phase will include fencing of the site, landscaping, drilling of boreholes, and the development of technical drawings and architectural blueprints to guide construction work.
He noted that President Boakai is expected to officially break ground for the project once all preparatory activities are finalized and approved.
The GSA Director General further disclosed that the Liberia Land Authority has completed the surveying of the 50-acre site and has officially handed over the land deed to the government, clearing the way for implementation.
He also noted the collaboration among key institutions such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of State, and local authorities in Bong County, saying their involvement has strengthened coordination for the project.
Kortimai emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Boakai administration’s broader vision of decentralization, which seeks to distribute development projects more evenly across Liberia.
“We don’t want everything to remain concentrated in Monrovia,” he said. “This project will help open up central Liberia and create opportunities for growth and investment.”
He further explained that the conference center is expected to stimulate the local economy by attracting hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities that will support conference tourism in Bong County.
During the same visit, Kortimai inspected ongoing renovation works at the Presidential Palace in Bong County, a project financed through the county’s social development fund.
He commended county officials, lawmakers, and Superintendent HawaLoleyah Norris for their support, describing the project as an important contribution to national development efforts.
Kortimai said the renovation works are expected to be completed within one month, ahead of President Boakai’s planned county tour, which will include engagements in Bong and other parts of central Liberia.