President Joseph N. Boakai has described the renovated military barracks in both Kakata and Sanniquellie as symbols of national presence and progress.
Speaking at the inauguration of the both barracks, symbolically in Sanniquellie on Saturday, August 9, 2025, he underscored that the facilities represent far more than structural mere improvements, rather it reflects his administration’s steadfast commitment to the dignity, readiness, and welfare of the men and women in uniform.
The newly renovated Camp Jones Military Barracks in Kakata, Margibi County and Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County marked a major milestone in the Government’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s national defense infrastructure and improving the welfare of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
“For too long, our brave soldiers have contended with congested and inadequate facilities, but today, we decisively address this challenge,” he said.
“These modernized barracks will provide our soldiers with living and working conditions that reflect the respect this nation holds for them,” President Boakai added.
President Boakai, noted, “Adequate housing, proper sanitation, and functional workspaces are not luxuries; they are fundamental necessities for a professional military force.”
He explained that the renovations were made possible through government funding and executed with the collaboration of the Ministry of National Defense and local contractors, with the aim to significantly decongest existing military facilities while at the same time improving the operational readiness and quality of life for soldiers and their families.
Even though the president described the renovation as one of the greatest achievements yet, by his administration, with funding from the government, the cost of the entire renovations were not disclosed.
As Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, he assured the public that the army will use resources properly, something he said he was proud of, but couldn’t give any details.
President Boakai commended Rt. General Geraldine Janet George, Minister of National Defense, the entire leadership of the Armed Forces, the contractors, the engineer and all for hard labours which brought transformation to the barracks.
He also thanks the people of Kakata and Sanniquelle for their contributions and patience during the renovation process.
“These barracks will serve not only as homes for our soldiers but as hubs of professionalism, centers for training excellence, and beacons of stability within their respective counties,” he stated.
The president noted the barracks will strengthen the bond between our military and civilian populations, a bond essential for national security and prosperity.”
He cautioned the officers and enlisted personnel to take pride in the facilities and maintain them to the highest standards, stressing on their indispensable role in protecting Liberia’s peace, territorial integrity, and democratic values.
The occasion was attended by Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Intelligence and veteran affairs, the members.of the Nimba Legislative Caucus, the Minister of Defense, chiefs and elders of Nimba, the Superintendent of Bong and among others.
The two representatives of the Nimba Legislative Caucus, Rep. Nyan Flomo and Nenkeh Gaye left the occasion with resentment because they were placed in the program to make comments.
This is not the first time for the caucus of Nimba to be left out in a symbolic occasion of such.
During the dedicatory ceremony of AML concentration plant in Yekepa in June, 2025, the Nimba Caucus was excluded from making statement, something the many Nimbaians considered as a disrespect to the caucus and the county at large, with many insinuating since the death of Senator Johnson, the respect for Nimba had diminished.
However, Senator Mono Cyrus had praised the president for his leadership for making the security sector vibrants.
He told his colleagues that there is a need to work together to ensure that the domestic revenues are increased. Carefully look at concession documents and ratify them so that it benefits the citizens.
“We got to take this country serious, so that we look at concession and ratify so that it benefits our people,” he said.
The refurbished barracks contained over 100 apartments, with Sanniquellie taking the highest numbers of apartments, but it is not clear whether those units of houses will be furnished or it will be fenced.
These barracks, especially the Camp Grant Barrack have been ruined for over 30 yrs, leaving most of lands to be encroached by squatters,
In 2006, the then Minister of Defense Brownie Samukai and his entourage backed by two senior military from UK and the USA, including General David Osenski of the USA and Col.Toomey of the UK tour most of the destroyed military barracks in Liberia, including this renovated barracks, but nothing was heard since trip almost 19 years ago.
The renovation brought joy to many Nimba for the government effort to get the barracks renovated and for deployment of soldiers in a region that is surrounded by two countries, where the influx of Burkinabes’ is becoming alarming, something that appears to be beyond the control of Liberia Immigration Service.
“At least we have soldiers that will respond to incidents that the police or LIS cannot conta
in,” said one Karkouh, a petty trader in Nimba.
