In an effort toward regional integration and economic transformation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially handed over the newly renovated National Transit Authority (NTA) building at Bo Waterside to the Government of Liberia.
The handover ceremony, staged at the bustling border town on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in the relocation of government offices from the Joint Border Post compound — a move designed to clear the way for the demolition of outdated structures and the construction of critical components of the long-awaited ECOWAS Joint Border Post.
The initiative, championed by Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning and Minister in Charge of ECOWAS Affairs, underscores Liberia’s commitment to strengthening border management, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation.
Delivering remarks, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Mohamed Konneh, hailed the project as a vivid demonstration of ECOWAS’ evolving mandate — shifting from its historic peacekeeping role to a broader agenda of economic diversification, sustainable development, and regional connectivity.
“The Bo Waterside Joint Border Post embodies the pillars of our vision: peace and security, good governance, economic integration, transformation, and social inclusion,” Ambassador Konneh declared. He urged contractors and project managers to meet timelines and specifications, stressing that community participation and vigilant monitoring would be vital to success.
Outgoing Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs and incoming ECOWAS Commissioner for Agriculture and Economic Affairs, Dehpue Y. Zuo, described the handover as a milestone not only for Liberia but also for Sierra Leone and the wider ECOWAS region.
“This project shows what neighboring countries can achieve through cooperation,” Zuo said. “By improving the movement of people and goods, strengthening institutional coordination, and reducing transaction costs, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.”
He noted that border communities, traders, and travelers have long endured delays, duplicated procedures, and high costs. The Joint Border Post, he emphasized, will consolidate services, streamline coordination, and slash crossing times, easing burdens on businesses and citizens alike.
Minister Zuo underscored the broader economic impact of modern border facilities, pointing to their role in boosting revenue administration, enhancing compliance, tightening security, and attracting investment. Efficient borders, he argued, are central to Liberia’s transformation agenda, reducing the cost of doing business while opening new opportunities for trade and investment.
He commended the Government of Sierra Leone, the Liberia Revenue Authority, immigration and customs authorities, health and security agencies, local leaders, technical teams, and development partners for their collective contributions.
“The true measure of success will be reduced delays, lower costs, improved compliance, enhanced security, and better services for our people,” Zuo concluded.
As the renovated NTA building changes hands, anticipation builds for the next phase of construction. The Bo Waterside Joint Border Post is poised to become a gateway of prosperity, symbolizing ECOWAS’ determination to transform borders from barriers into bridges of opportunity.
With the relocation complete and demolition imminent, Liberia and Sierra Leone now stand on the threshold of a new era — one where efficient border fuel economic growth, strengthen regional ties, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens across West Africa.
