James T. Brooks
Gompa City, Nimba County — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has issued a powerful call to action for Liberians to prioritize the development of high-quality, sustainable infrastructure, labeling it the essential foundation for national prosperity and inclusive growth. Speaking at the opening of the National Infrastructure Conference on Monday, January 19, 2026, the President emphasized that sound infrastructure is the primary requirement for creating a resilient and wealthy nation.
The forum, held in Gompa City, serves as a strategic platform to refine Liberia’s approach to planning and long-term development. President Boakai challenged citizens and stakeholders to look beyond temporary fixes, advocating for a “build back better” philosophy. He stressed that modern projects must not only meet international standards but also remain resilient against climate change while simultaneously generating local employment and stimulating private enterprise.
Highlighting the competitive nature of global development, the President stated that the infrastructure Liberia builds today must be capable of competing with the rest of the world. He noted that such progress is vital for creating a cohesive society where no one is left behind. To illustrate his point, he referenced former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, remarking that America is rich. After all, its roads are good, rather than its roads being good because it is rich. He asserted that Liberia will achieve similar prosperity only when it fully commits to building and maintaining a robust national network.
This initiative aligns closely with the administration’s ARREST Agenda, as well as broader international frameworks like Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The President urged a transition away from fragmented, short-term solutions in favor of coordinated systems that utilize modern technology and innovation to serve both current and future generations.
President Boakai also spoke candidly about the “visible deterioration” of the nation’s assets, which he described as a lingering legacy of years of civil conflict. He expressed deep concern over the daily hardships imposed on citizens by deteriorated road networks, decaying public buildings, unreliable electricity, and limited access to safe water. He urged the public to view roads and bridges as more than just physical structures of concrete and steel, but rather as the lifelines that shape opportunity and national confidence.
Ultimately, the President framed the rebuilding of Liberia’s infrastructure as an act of national healing. While the scars of past conflict remain visible in broken systems, he argued that they provide a unique opportunity to start fresh and build smarter. Concluding his address, President Boakai reaffirmed that his administration will keep infrastructure at the center of national recovery, ensuring that future systems protect the dignity of all Liberians and secure the nation’s long-term stability.
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