By Amos Harris
In a decisive move to bolster Liberia’s legal and security infrastructure, President Joseph N. Boakai officially launched the construction of a state-of-the-art Ministry of Justice Complex on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on a strategic 4.8-acre site near the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill, signals a new era for the administration’s rule-of-law agenda.
The modern facility is designed to serve as a centralized hub for the nation’s primary law enforcement and justice institutions. Once completed, it will house the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS). This consolidation aims to replace the current fragmented system with a unified operational center.
During his keynote address, President Boakai emphasized that his administration is prioritizing sustainable public infrastructure to ensure national resources are used responsibly. He articulated a vision where government facilities reflect professionalism and efficiency while simultaneously addressing the long-standing financial drain of leasing private property.
The President stated that the government is determined to construct and maintain its own public buildings to eliminate the heavy burden of rental expenses. He further noted that housing these vital institutions in a single complex will enhance inter-agency coordination, safeguard sensitive documents, and vastly improve service delivery for all Liberians.
Drawing a comparison to the existing Ministerial Complex, President Boakai praised it as a model of institutional order and cleanliness. He challenged revenue-generating agencies to adopt similar high standards in the maintenance of public assets.
The project received strong legislative and ministerial backing during the ceremony. Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Nemely described the initiative as historic, applauding the focus on development that serves future generations. Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan revealed that the project is fully funded by the Government of Liberia through the national budget, with an initial allocation of US$20 million. Minister Ngafuan framed the investment as tangible proof of the administration’s ability to turn policy into action.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Oswald Tweh described the complex as a transformative development for the sector. He noted that the facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to streamline collaboration and improve the administration of justice across the country.
The event concluded with broad representation from senior officials, private sector leaders, and community groups, marking the complex as a symbol of fiscal responsibility and institutional strengthening.