Mount Coffee, Montserrado County – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has dedicated a new 20-megawatt solar farm at Mount Coffee, describing the project as a major milestone in Liberia’s quest to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity while laying the foundation for economic transformation.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh -websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking Friday, June 5 during the dedication ceremony, President Boakai said the solar farm represents significant progress in addressing one of Liberia’s longstanding development challenges.
“It marks significant progress in our efforts to address one of Liberia’s longstanding challenges: access to reliable, affordable electricity,” President Boakai said.
The President noted that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and improving the lives of Liberians.
“This project demonstrates our resolve to expand infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve the lives of our people,” he stated.
He also praised the speed with which the project was completed, noting that it was delivered less than 24 months after groundbreaking.
“It is also worth noting that we are dedicating this project in less than 24 months since we broke ground on October 11, 2024. We are in a hurry to deliver services to the Liberian people,” President Boakai declared.
The President said the solar farm reflects the success of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, investors, the private sector and local communities.
“It also demonstrates what can be achieved when government, development partners, investors, the private sector, and communities work together toward a common purpose,” he intoned.
President Boakai emphasized that the solar farm forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s energy sector through investments in renewable energy and national power generation.
According to him, support from the World Bank and other development partners through the RESPITE Project is helping to add clean, renewable, and locally generated electricity to the national grid.
“At Mount Coffee, 22 megawatts of lost generation capacity have been restored, and plans are underway to expand by an additional 42 megawatts. Through the National Energy Compact, we are working to extend reliable electricity to far more Liberians nationwide,” he pointed out .
The President noted that inadequate access to electricity has long constrained Liberia’s growth by limiting economic activity, discouraging investment, and affecting the delivery of essential services.
“For many years, limited and costly power has constrained economic activity, discouraged investment, and hindered the delivery of essential services,” he said.
The President stressed that reliable electricity is essential for national development, describing energy as a critical component of modern life.
“Energy powers nearly every aspect of modern life. It keeps our hospitals running, supports learning in our schools and universities, enables communication and technology, and helps businesses grow and compete,” he said.
The President linked the project to the Infrastructure Pillar of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes investments in roads, ports, digital connectivity, water systems and energy.
“Our Administration is investing in roads, ports, digital connectivity, water systems, and energy because these are the foundations upon which strong economies are built,” he said.
President Boakai further outlined plans to diversify Liberia’s economy through manufacturing and value addition, noting that dependable electricity is necessary to support processing industries and attract private investment.
“We want to process more of our agricultural products, minerals, timber, and other resources here at home, creating jobs and retaining greater value within our economy,” he stated.
“Reliable electricity is essential to that effort. Factories, processing plants, and other industrial facilities require dependable power to operate efficiently and remain competitive,” he continued.
President Boakai said his administration is also working toward creating a vibrant 24-hour economy where businesses and industries can operate around the clock.
“A modern economy should not come to a halt when daylight ends,” he said. “Businesses, industries, transportation services, and commercial centers must be able to operate safely and productively around the clock.”
According to the President, expanded electricity access will encourage entrepreneurship, extend productive hours, and create additional employment opportunities, particularly for Liberia’s youth.
“This is especially important for our young people. Liberia’s future depends on our ability to create opportunities for them to work, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The Liberian leader also highlighted the role of electricity in enhancing public safety and community well-being.
“Well-lit streets, schools, health facilities, markets, and public spaces help create safer communities. Reliable electricity strengthens communications, supports security services, and enables citizens to go about their daily lives with greater confidence,” he said.
Describing the solar farm as an investment in Liberia’s future, Boakai said the project reflects the government’s commitment to renewable energy and energy security.
“This solar farm speaks to our promise to expand renewable energy while strengthening Liberia’s energy security. It represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, safer communities, and a more resilient future,” he said.
President Boakai commended the engineers, technicians, contractors, investors, development partners, government institutions, and community members who contributed to the project’s completion.
He also recognized the leadership of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, including Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif, the Board of Directors, management, and staff.
Despite celebrating the achievement, Boakai acknowledged that significant challenges remain in expanding electricity access across the country.
“We must continue to expand access to electricity, strengthen our transmission and distribution systems, and ensure that the benefits of development reach communities across Liberia,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national development, the President concluded: “Our goal is clear: to remove the obstacles to growth, improve public services, create opportunities for our citizens, and build a more prosperous and inclusive nation.”
With the formal dedication, President Boakai declared the project officially commissioned on behalf of the Liberian people.
“Together, we will build the infrastructure that will power Liberia’s development, support economic transformation, and improve the quality of life of our people for generations to come,” he added.
