– In Margibi, and Nimba Counties
BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai dedicated the newly renovated Camp Jones Military Barracks in Kakata, Margibi County, and Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The ceremony held at Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and President of Liberia, Joseph Nyumah Boakai joined several officials of government, soliders and community leaders — including hundreds of citizens.
The barracks boast 11 refurbished buildings and 62 residential apartments, classified into Type B and Type C accommodations. The facility will now house the Margibi and Nimba contingents of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), who will be deployed to the region.
Military barracks across Liberia have long suffered from overcrowding and neglect. This project is a step toward dignity and readiness.
The renovation of Camp Jones Military Barracks in Kakata, Margibi County and Camp Grant in Sanniquellie, Nimba County were fully funded by the Government of Liberia and represents one of several infrastructure upgrades planned for the AFL across the country.
Ceremony attendees included Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George, (Rtd.); Minister of National Defense, Honorable Members of the National Legislature; County Superintendents of Margibi and Nimba Counties; Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and Senior Military Command, Officers; Enlisted Personnel, Veterans of the Gallant Armed Forces of Liberia; local County Officials, Traditional Leaders; citizens of Margibi and Nimba Counties; the media and other special guests.
In a speech delivered Saturday at Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai recommitted his government’s support to improve the well-being of men and women in arms. President Boakai described the move as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve the living standards and welfare of the brave men and women of the AFL and their families.
The President said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards a stronger, more secure, and more dignified future for the men and women who bear the sacred responsibility of defending our Republic.” The president commended Minister George, members of the Ministry of National Defense, and the entire leadership of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their diligence and commitment in bringing the projects to successful completion.
He also thanked to the contractors, engineers, and workers whose skill and labor transformed the facilities – “we say thank you” — extending appreciation to the communities of Kakata and Sanniquellie for the patience and support during the renovation works.
President Boakai stated: “These barracks are not just military installations; they are now integral parts of your communities, symbols of national presence and progress.”
He noted that the renovation of these barracks is not simply an infrastructure improvement; it is an investment in the soldiers’ well-being, health, and morale. The president emphasized how the modernized facility reinforces the Army’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment, enabling soldiers to rest, recover, and excel in their mission.
Addressing military personnel, government officials and community leaders, President Boakai highlighted that the renovation of Camp Jones and Camp Grant is far more than just the refurbishment of buildings.
“It represents a core commitment of our Administration, the unwavering support for the welfare and operational readiness of our Armed Forces, the true patriots of Liberia,” CIC Boakai asserted.
He stressed that for too long, the brave soldiers, who stand ready to protect the country’s hard-won peace and territorial integrity, complained with congested and inadequate facilities. “This situation was untenable; today, we decisively address this challenge.”
He outlined that the modernized barracks will significantly decongest existing military facilities — provide soldiers with living and working conditions that reflect the dignity of their service and the respect the nation and his government holds for the national defense ministry.
This investment, made possible through the allocation of resources by the Government of Liberia, sends a clear message: Value soldier; honor their sacrifices; commitment to providing solider with the environment they need to train effectively, to serve professionally, and to live decently with their families. He stressed that adequate housing, proper sanitation, functional workspaces – are not luxuries but fundamental necessities for a professional military force.
President Boakai stated: “The successful completion of these projects stands as a testament to what can be achieved through focused government action and effective partnership.” President Boakai shared that the upgraded barracks demonstrate the country resolve to modernize national defense infrastructure, brick by brick, barrack by barrack.
He said it underscores his dedication to building an Armed Forces of Liberia that is not only capable and disciplined but also well-supported and respected.
“Camp Jones and Camp Grant, revitalized, become more than just military posts – they become hubs of professionalism, centers for training excellence, and beacons of stability within their respective counties,” President Boakai shared.
In his remarks, he said Army’s presence reinforces the bond between the military and the civilian population – “a bond essential for collective security and prosperity.” The president also warned them to ensure the facilities remain a tangible expression for gratitude, vigilance, discipline, and readiness to serve.
“I charge you to take ownership of these barracks. Maintain them with pride. Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within their walls. Let these spaces foster greater unity, enhance your training, and strengthen your resolve to protect the Liberian people and our democratic values.”
He admonished them to continue to serve as ambassadors of peace, both within the barracks and in their interactions with citizens. He said: “Remember always the sacred trust the Liberian people have placed in you. Your role is indispensable in safeguarding our nation’s present and securing its future.” The Liberian leader emphasized that the dedication of these barracks is not the end, but a significant step forward in broader agenda to revitalize the country’s national defense infrastructure.
“My Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to continue investing in the AFL – in your training, your equipment, your welfare, and your facilities. We will persist in building a force that is a source of enduring national pride, and a force for good.” He added: “Therefore, with a heart full of hope for the future of our Armed Forces and our beloved Liberia, and by the authority vested in me as President and Commander-in-Chief, I hereby formally dedicate the newly renovated Camp Jones Military Barracks in Kakata, Margibi County and Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, on this 9th day of August, 2025, to the service of the Republic of Liberia and the Gallant Men and Women of the Armed Forces of Liberia.”
