Unofficial Visit: President Boakai Visits Buchanan Port, Vows to Push for infrastructure Growth.

Buchanan, Grand Bassa County: Over the weekend of April 5, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai paid an unofficial visit to the Port of Buchanan, where he briefly toured the residence of the Director General but did not inspect the full facility as initially expected.

During the visit, President Boakai was seen greeting a few workers outside the premises, underscoring what appeared to be a low-key engagement.

He was later approached by Kool 91.9 FM Executive Mansion correspondent, Daniel Theophilus Cole, for a brief interview. When asked about the purpose of his visit, the President stated that he was primarily in Buchanan to visit the father of Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence. He added that while he had previously visited the port, this particular stop had been encouraged by the Pro Tempore—and was something he intended to do regardless.

“This is one of those areas I needed to see for myself,” President Boakai explained. “It’s important to understand the situation on the ground, especially with a facility as critical as the Port of Buchanan.”

In response to a question about ongoing development efforts at the port, the President remarked: “If there’s any development taking place, I want to know. And if there’s none, I will speak out, because we need the Buchanan Port now more than ever.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kaipay, Manager of the Port of Buchanan, spoke with reporters from the Executive Mansion, outlining recent progress and future plans for the facility. According to Mr. Kaipay, the port docked 119 vessels in 2024 and has already received 51 vessels between January and April of this year—making it the second busiest port in Liberia.

Mr. Kaipay emphasized the Boakai administration’s focus on decentralization: “Under President Boakai, decentralization is key. The Senate has passed an act that will make all ports autonomous. This will empower local leadership and drive development across the country.”

Currently, all operations at the Port of Buchanan are centralized, with reports and decisions routed through the Freeport of Monrovia. However, Kaipay revealed plans for a modern office complex and port infrastructure aimed at transforming Buchanan into a major regional hub.

President Boakai appointed Jonathan Kaipay as Port Manager on March 14, 2025. Prior to this role, Mr. Kaipay served as a senator and has held the position for approximately eight months.