BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY — The week-long celebration marking the 78th anniversary of International Archives Week has concluded in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, leaving behind a powerful message: Liberia must modernize and digitize its archival system to safeguard its history and its future.
Organized by the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), commonly known as the National Archives, the event centered around the global theme “Archives for Justice, Rights, Memory, and Futures” and Liberia’s localized focus, “Liberia’s Records, Our Rights, and Our Future.” The week-long campaign successfully raised awareness through vibrant public exhibitions, a street parade, indoor programs, and community sporting activities.
Serving as the guest speaker at the closing ceremony, Hon. Gabriel Montgomery, the Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), stressed that shifting away from traditional recordkeeping is no longer optional. Montgomery challenged the old perception of archives, noting that they are the vital backbone of a functioning society.
“Archives are not merely old papers stored in cabinets or forgotten boxes gathering dust. They tell us where we have been, who we are, and where we are going.” Hon. Gabriel Montgomery, LRA
Proper recordkeeping directly impacts daily life for ordinary citizens. Reliable archives protect land ownership, preserve marriage validity, secure citizenship rights, and allow government institutions to maintain transparency. Without these verified records, citizens face severe legal vulnerabilities, and the state struggles to combat fraud and maintain public trust.
Despite their importance, Liberia’s historical documents face severe, existential threats. Montgomery openly acknowledged that the country’s heavy reliance on paper-based systems leaves irreplaceable documents highly vulnerable to fire, water damage, and human error.
A modernized digital system would fundamentally transform public service delivery in Liberia. By transitioning to secure digital platforms, the government can drastically reduce bureaucratic delays, minimize identity and property fraud, and allow citizens to seamlessly verify birth certificates, tax files, marriage records, and land deeds. Furthermore, digital archives provide a reliable foundation for academic research, national economic planning, and attracting foreign investment.
However, achieving this vision requires more than just software. Montgomery emphasized that a total digital transformation demands deep government commitment, increased budgetary funding, improved tech infrastructure, specialized staff training, and robust cybersecurity measures.
The practical hurdles facing the agency were brought to light by George M. Woodtor, Special Assistant and Chief of Office Staff, who delivered a statement on behalf of CNDRA Director General, Hon. D. Nelson Bearngar, who was unable to attend due to health reasons.
Woodtor issued an urgent appeal to the Liberian government and international partners, shedding light on the deteriorating condition of the main National Archives building in Sinkor, Monrovia. The facility currently houses irreplaceable historical records dating back to the 1800s, yet it suffers from leaking roofs, inadequate preservation facilities, and a lack of climate-controlled environments, putting Liberia’s heritage at immediate risk.
To address these vulnerabilities, CNDRA has developed plans to construct a multi-purpose, modern records center designed to serve as both a secure preservation hub and a training facility for records management personnel. The agency also highlighted the pressing need to renovate key cultural landmarks, including the National Public Library on Ashmun Street, the Tubman Library and Museum in Harper, and the Tubman Library for African Culture in Robertsport.
The financial reality remains a steep uphill battle. Due to years of national instability and historically low budget allocations, only about 10 percent of Liberia’s archival records have been successfully digitized.
As International Archives Week 2026 drew to a close, the CNDRA renewed its appeal for stronger collaborations with international development partners, including UNESCO, the UNDP, foreign missions, academic institutions, and cultural heritage organizations.
The gathering in Buchanan united stakeholders from across the country, reinforcing a collective agreement that preserving Liberia’s past is directly tied to securing justice, transparent governance, and development for future generations.