By: Patrick Teah, Jr.
GRANDCESS, Grand Kru County — Hope was rekindled in the coastal community of Grandcess on December 17, 2025, when the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Hon. Cyrus Saygbeh, announced plans by the Government of Liberia to construct a multi-purpose learning site aimed at improving livelihoods and empowering young people.
Speaking during a program marking his official visit to Grandcess, Hon. Saygbeh said the learning site will serve as a center for skills development, education, and economic opportunity, particularly for youth and women who depend largely on fishing for survival.
According to the NaFAA boss, the facility will include a marine supply (merriam) store where fishers can access fishing materials, a clinic to improve access to basic healthcare, a children’s playground to support child development, a gas station, and a cold storage facility to reduce post-harvest fish losses. He noted that the entire complex will be powered by solar energy, ensuring sustainability and reliable service for the community.
“This project is about building people and restoring dignity,” Hon. Saygbeh said, adding that the learning site is intended to strengthen the local fishing value chain while improving living conditions in Grandcess.
He further disclosed that the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is expected to return to the community between February and March 2026 to provide additional support and help strengthen initiatives already underway.
Although the total cost of the project has not yet been announced, fish mongers and community members welcomed the news with celebration and renewed optimism. Many described the announcement as a sign of inclusion and commitment from the current government.
“This government has given us hope,” several fish mongers said, expressing confidence that the project will bring lasting change and improve the future of their families.
Hon. Saygbeh’s visit marked a significant moment for Grandcess, as residents see the proposed learning site as a pathway toward empowerment, resilience, and a better life for generations to come.
