Liberian President: Japanese Highway Expansion is a Historic Investment

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah: 

The President of Liberia renewed, Joseph BoacaiHe emphasized the strategic importance of the Japan-funded highway expansion project, describing it as a ”historic investment” that will boost the economy, improve transportation, and accelerate national development.

Boakai explained that the Japanese highway project, which takes into account climate-resilient infrastructure standards, will provide employment opportunities for Liberians and aligns with the government's development priorities and agenda, thereby enhancing the nation's ability to achieve sustainable growth.

Liberia-Japan historical relations

The Liberian President noted that the project will not only improve the transportation sector, but will also contribute to raising the quality of life, by expanding access to modern roads and reliable water services, in addition to developing basic infrastructure.

Buakye emphasized the strong historical ties between Liberia and Japan, as the main funder of the project, noting that the partnership between the two countries has achieved tangible development gains over the past years.

He added that Japan has injected significant investments into developing infrastructure within Liberia, especially in the areas of roads, bridges, and ports, in addition to supporting vital sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, alongside human capacity development through strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The President praised the Ministry of Public Works' efforts and commitment to the project's implementation, expressing his confidence that this initiative will have a positive long-term impact on Liberia's economy and society.

In another context, the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, affirmed that his government adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance for drug trafficking crimes, stressing that all those involved in the case of seizing a drug shipment valued at about 19 million US dollars will be held legally accountable, without any exceptions, regardless of their positions or influence.

The Liberian president's remarks came during a cabinet meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry of Health and the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency, where he affirmed that combating the drug phenomenon is one of his government's top priorities, given the serious repercussions it causes on national security, public health, and the future of youth.

Boakai said his government will not provide protection to anyone proven to be involved in drug trafficking networks, affirming that the rule of law will be applied to everyone without discrimination, and that the state is determined to pursue those responsible for these crimes and take legal action against them.