Suakoko, Bong County – The Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA), Galakpai Kortimai, led a high-level delegation to Suakoko District, Bong County, to inspect the site for the proposed National Convention Center. Speaking during a media briefing at the site, Director Kortimai said the visit marks a significant step in the government’s plan to decentralize national programs and infrastructure.
According to him, the proposed center will serve both national and international purposes and will be situated in Suakoko due to its strategic location and strong community support. “During the campaign period, President Boakai emphasized that not everything should be centered in Monrovia,” Kortimai said. “We need to decentralize, and Bong County stood out as a prime candidate. After consultations with local citizens, Suakoko emerged as the most suitable site, and we have received overwhelming support from the community,” he stated
He also announced that the site assessment is now underway, with instructions given to the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) and the Ministry of Public Works to begin initial preparations. The Director General stressed that by December 31, 2025, the site should be fully cleared and a preliminary design completed.
When asked about the project timeline, Kortimai revealed that initial construction activities have already started with surveying and legal processes. Full-scale construction, he said, will begin shortly, with heavy equipment expected on site in the coming months. “We anticipate that the project will be completed within four to five years,” he stated, adding that the cost estimate will be determined once the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is finalized.
The convention center is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth in the region, including motorbike riders and local laborers. The facility will operate year-round, hosting events and activities beyond just conferences. “This is not just a building for events. We’re envisioning 24/7 activities here that will bring life to the community and boost local economic development,” he emphasized.
Director Kortimai further praised local authorities, youth leaders, and especially women for their participation and leadership in the process. He commended the presence of female traditional leaders and called for more empowerment of women across the country.
For her part, Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris expressed gratitude to President Boakai for selecting Bong County as the host for this significant project. She encouraged residents to consider the project as theirs. Also speaking, Deputy Finance Minister Bill McGill Jones expressed excitement in the commencement of the project, pledging the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the construction.
The planned National Convention Center aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s broader agenda to empower local governments and drive development at the county level.
