Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has visited the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) to assess the conditions and show solidarity with the inmates. The visit, undertaken on behalf of President Joseph Boakai aimed to gain firsthand insights into the challenges facing the country’s largest correctional facility.
During the tour, prison authorities highlighted several pressing issues, including the lack of uniforms for over 600 correction officers, inadequate transportation, and low salaries. Florence K. Bakannah, the Training Officer at the facility, emphasized these challenges as significant impediments to effective operations, appealing for prompt governmental intervention.
In response, Vice President Koung pledged to discuss these concerns with President Boakai, Sr., to explore potential solutions. As a gesture of support, Koung presented donations to the inmates on behalf of the Liberian government. The contributions included 100 bags of rice, 10 gallons of vegetable oil, 10 cartons of fish, 5 cartons of chickens, and various detergents.
Vice President Koung also engaged briefly with Liberia’s Former Chief Justice, Cllr. Gloria M. Scott, who expressed dismay over the current state of the prison. Cllr. Scott urged the Vice President to convey her concerns to the President.
Looking ahead, Vice President Koung committed the government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the MCP, starting with the evaluation of an unfinished presidential project initiated by a previous administration. He assured that the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) would be involved in addressing these infrastructural challenges.
Accompanying Vice President Koung on this visit were Liberia’s Solicitor General, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah, and Deputy Minister for State and Presidential Affairs for Administration, Cornelia Kruah-Togba.