President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Thursday, January 29, 2026, broke ground for a $20 million permanent Ministry of Justice complex. The investment aims at strengthening institutional capacity, preserving national records, and deepening respect for the rule of law.
The ceremony, held on Capitol Hill near the Executive Mansion, framed the project as both a practical necessity and a statement of national pride. President Boakai underscored the enduring role of public infrastructure, noting that government buildings are lasting symbols of a country’s dignity and must be constructed with purpose and quality to serve generations yet unborn.
Drawing attention to the inefficiencies of operating from rented facilities, the President warned of the institutional losses that come with frequent relocations, particularly the risk to official records and continuity. Permanent structures, he argued, provide stability and efficiency—an approach proven by nations that continue to rely on public buildings constructed more than a century ago.
“Public buildings are permanent buildings. They are not cheap buildings,” President Boakai said, emphasizing that sustained investment in quality infrastructure saves resources over time and preserves the state’s institutional memory. He added that had Liberia consistently invested in such structures in the past, many would still be in use today.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the President linked the justice complex to a broader vision of national development and ownership. He stressed the need for prudent resource management to deliver tangible benefits—quality schools, strong institutions, and opportunities that encourage Liberians to believe in and remain committed to their country.
President Boakai also outlined complementary initiatives, including plans to ease congestion through the transformation of the Omega Market and the establishment of football academies in Bong and Montserrado counties to promote youth development.
The President warned of no shortcuts and no compromise on quality, insisting that Liberia deserves its very best.
“This project is more than a building,” President Boakai said. “It represents our aspiration for dignity, stability, and credible governance—so our people can be proud of their country.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, described the groundbreaking as a watershed moment for the justice sector.
He said the complex will serve as a permanent home and a symbol of institutional strength, national security, and Liberia’s collective commitment to the rule of law. According to Cllr. Tweh, the facility will bring together key justice and security institutions within a modern, purpose-built framework, significantly improving coordination, efficiency, professionalism, and service delivery to the public.
He added that the project aligns squarely with the government’s ARREST agenda for inclusive development, which prioritizes agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. With a $20 million U.S. investment secured, the groundbreaking signals a clear political will and financial commitment to justice infrastructure as a cornerstone of national transformation.
