The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) officially launched the Aerodrome Certification Project Team for Roberts International Airport (RIA) on May 29, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia. The initiative marks a major step toward modernizing Liberia’s aviation sector and aligning RIA’s operations with international safety and regulatory standards.
Senior government officials, aviation regulators, development partners, legislators, and aviation experts attended to commission the Technical Steering Committee, which will have direct oversight of the certification process.
Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes called the project transformative and stated that it goes beyond mere compliance. He said it aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, saying certification shows Liberia is ready to compete globally and uphold high aviation safety and efficiency standards. RIA is “Liberia’s gateway to the world,” making certification a national imperative. He stressed investment in people: providing aviation professionals with global exposure, technical expertise, specialized training, and leadership opportunities to build sustainable institutional capacity and ensure LAA remains internationally respected.
Speaking for the Liberian Senate, Pro Tempore Hon. Karnga Lawrence praised LAA’s visionary project to elevate RIA to global standards. She noted that the airport sector received one of its strongest budget allocations under her leadership, reaffirming Senate support for infrastructure and service improvements. “The airport is the gateway to our country, and the image of the country starts from there . . . you have our fullest support.”
Benjamin Kofi Ahlijah, Lead Consultant and Project Coordinator of HAAB Aviation Consultancy, the firm contracted to guide the certification process, expressed confidence in a successful outcome and reaffirmed commitment to support LAA. He called certification historic and said it would position Liberia among countries with internationally compliant airports. He added that certification would attract international airlines and investors, increase airline operations, stimulate tourism and commerce, create jobs, and boost aviation revenue. “We look forward to the day… when Roberts International Airport is formally issued its Aerodrome Operating Certificate.”
Representing President Boakai, Hon. Sam Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, conveyed the President’s strong support. “His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai views modern aviation as linking Monrovia to counties and Liberia to the world, and sees regional airport modernization as key,” he said. “The President considers aviation infrastructure a strategic asset for economic development, trade, investment, tourism, and national integration.
Modernizing RIA and regional airports aligns with the government’s vision of a connected, prosperous, globally competitive Liberia.”
Transport Minister Sirleaf R. Tyler presented the Technical Steering Committee and urged dedication.
Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes was certified as Chairman. Deputies: Hon. John Z. Buway, Deputy MD for Administration; Hon. Egon Mark Kuiah, Deputy MD for Operations; Hon. Jonathan C. Enders, Deputy MD for Technical Services.
Other members: Hon. James K. Mulbah, Port Manager RIA; Hon. Julius Dennis, Director General Liberia Civil Aviation Authority; Hon. Sirleaf R. Tyler, Minister of Transport; Madam Shoana Cachelle, LAA Board Member. MD Hughes also commissioned the Aerodrome Certification Project Committee and appointed Hon. James K. Mulbah as Head to lead LAA personnel working with HAAB consultants on technical, operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Certification is expected to strengthen safety oversight, improve operational standards, enhance passenger confidence, attract more international air services, and reinforce Liberia’s position in regional and global aviation.
Once achieved, it will confirm RIA complies with international safety standards, positioning Liberia for increased connectivity, investment, and sustainable growth.
LAA recognized the European Union as a longstanding partner in improving RIA facilities and capacity. Dr. Anna Brzozowska, First Counsellor and Team Leader for Political and Economic Governance at the EU Delegation, announced EU support for training and professional development of airport personnel.
Appreciation was also expressed to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for continued support and partnership in aviation infrastructure, with Chinese Government representatives present at the launch.
The event was attended by Madam Joseta Neufville-Wento, Head of the National Road Fund, who agreed to partner with LAA; Senator Saah Hardy Joseph, Chair Senate Transport Committee; Hon Ivar K. Jones, Chair Margibi Legislative Caucus; Cllr. Alexandria K. Zoe, Executive Chair Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission; H.E. Beng’yela Augustine, Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps; and Mr. Charles Hanson Adu, Lead Aerodrome Consultant HAAB Aviation Consultancy. Amongst others.