Piah Unveils Government Development, Drug Crackdown -Announces Mansa US$600M Dugbe Gold Deal

MONROVIA – The Boakai administration has delivered its most comprehensive public development update to date. Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, announced a wide-ranging package spanning road infrastructure, energy, mining, health, education, aviation, and fiscal reform. A Japanese-funded 1.9-kilometer Freeport–Gabriel Tucker Bridge road extension is forthcoming. A 10-megawatt solar expansion in Bong County and a 42-megawatt hydroelectric addition will push total electricity generation toward 160 megawatts. Mansa Resources Limited has committed US$600 million to the Dugbe Gold Project. The African Development Bank has provided US$16.7 million in budget support. Piah also reaffirmed zero tolerance for drug trafficking following the RIA cocaine seizure, as THE ANALYST George C. Flomo reports.

The Liberian government has outlined a series of significant infrastructure, energy, governance, and security initiatives aimed at accelerating national development while simultaneously strengthening the fight against transnational crime, particularly narcotics trafficking. The broad range of announcements reflects what government officials describe as a multi-sector strategy aimed at addressing decades-old infrastructure deficits, energy shortages, weak public service delivery, and security concerns that have long slowed Liberia’s pace of national development.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah said the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remains firmly committed to modernizing the country’s road network, expanding electricity access, strengthening state institutions, and ensuring accountability in the wake of the recent seizure of a multi-million-dollar drug shipment.

Japanese-Funded Tucker Bridge Road Coming

A major highlight of the government’s development agenda is the forthcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the Japanese-funded extension of the Freeport–Gabriel Tucker Bridge road corridor in Monrovia. The project, a product of bilateral cooperation between Liberia and Japan, is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of goods between the Freeport of Monrovia and the capital’s commercial center.

The approximately 1.9-kilometer project includes road realignment, reconstruction, improved drainage systems, and modern storm-water management infrastructure aimed at permanently addressing flooding challenges that have affected the corridor for years. “When completed, the road will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve access between the country’s primary maritime gateway and Monrovia’s commercial center,” Minister Piah stated.

Energy Push Targets 160 Megawatts

Beyond road infrastructure, the government announced major progress in the energy sector. Piah revealed that the recently commissioned 20-megawatt solar plant in Bong County will be expanded by an additional 10 megawatts once the necessary legislative approvals are completed, bringing the facility’s total capacity to 30 megawatts.

He also disclosed that an ongoing hydroelectric expansion project will add 42 megawatts to Liberia’s existing capacity, increasing national hydroelectric generation from 88 megawatts to approximately 130 megawatts.

The combined impact of the solar and hydro projects is expected to increase Liberia’s electricity generation capacity to about 160 megawatts, a development government officials believe will stimulate industrial growth, create economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

“After nearly 179 years of nationhood, Liberia cannot yet boast of even 150 megawatts of electricity generation. This administration is determined to change that reality,” Piah declared.

Zero Tolerance Reaffirmed on Drugs

On the issue of narcotics trafficking, the Minister reaffirmed President Boakai’s zero-tolerance approach, stressing that Liberia will not become a safe haven for international drug syndicates.

“The country is open for business, but it is not open for the business of drug trafficking,” Piah quoted the President as saying.

According to the Minister, the ongoing investigation into the drug seizure is being coordinated by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) with support from other national security institutions and international partners. He stressed that authorities are determined to identify both the individuals involved and the larger criminal networks behind the operation.

“No person will be untouchable. No institution will be protected from investigation. Anyone found responsible will face the full force of the law,” Piah emphasized. While assuring the public of a transparent investigation, he cautioned against speculation and the publication of unverified allegations that could compromise the process or endanger witnesses.

EU, AfDB, World Bank Back Liberia

The government also announced a €6.28 million investment package for Roberts International Airport, funded by the European Union and Germany, to improve emergency response systems, airfield infrastructure, communications equipment, power facilities, and staff training.

In another major financial boost, Liberia secured US$16.7 million in budget support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to strengthen fiscal management, improve transparency, enhance revenue collection, and support broader public sector reforms.

The government further reported progress in rural electrification through the World Bank-funded Liberia Renewable Energy Access Project in Lofa County, where testing and commissioning activities have begun for a 1.8-megawatt electricity generation facility that will serve communities, educational institutions, and healthcare centers. Meanwhile, electrification efforts in Buchanan are nearing completion ahead of Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations.

US$600M Dugbe Gold Project Announced

Authorities also welcomed a US$600 million investment commitment by Mansa Resources Limited for the Dugbe Gold Project, which is expected to create nearly 1,000 direct jobs and expand opportunities for Liberian workers through skills development and technical training.

The anticipated investment in the mining sector is also expected to contribute to local economic development through job creation, community engagement, and increased revenue generation, although experts continue to stress the importance of ensuring that natural resource wealth translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Accountability, Health, Safety Measures

In the area of accountability, the Internal Audit Agency is preparing to launch new Internal Audit Regulations and a National Compliance Checklist designed to strengthen oversight, reduce fraud, and improve transparency in public institutions.

The Ministry of Health also received a major donation of medical equipment from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, including anesthesia machines, patient monitors, and delivery beds to improve maternal, emergency, and surgical healthcare services across the country.

The Liberia National Police (LNP) has charged eight individuals linked to an alleged examination malpractice scheme involving the West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Global Net Preparatory School. Police have also initiated additional road safety awareness efforts to address the increasing number of traffic accidents nationwide.

Taken together, the latest announcements represent one of the administration’s most comprehensive public updates on its development agenda, highlighting a simultaneous effort to expand infrastructure, attract foreign investment, improve governance, strengthen social services, and reinforce national security. The success of these ambitious programs will ultimately depend on effective implementation, continued financial support, and the government’s ability to sustain public confidence as Liberia advances its development agenda.