NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration Hon, James R. Bernard has lauded the efforts of SCOPE Africa Initiative for training about twenty-five fire fighters at the National Port Authority aimed at enhancing their capacity in the areas of strengthening compliance in line with international norms and standards, port security and safety, with the objective of optimizing the flow of trade and transport, while supporting environmental resilience in the target ports to prevent and respond to security and safety incidents which help facilitate trade and transport operations, strengthen regional structures and contribute to the development of strategic corridors.
SCOPE Africa, a major European Union–funded initiative aimed at strengthening safety, security, and operational efficiency across key ports in West and Central Africa,
Hon. Bernard speaking at the close of a four-day capacity building training program facilitated by SCOPE Africa, said the training program marks the beginning of a series of training programs for various security personals at the NPA, NPA fire fighters being the first to be trained. Hon. Bernard said the training program seeks to deliver targeted interventions that improve compliance with international port safety and security standards, strengthen crisis response and risk management systems, and enhance cooperation between port authorities and national governments.
“This is a strategic breakthrough that validates the sweeping reforms underway across the Freeport of Monrovia and our outstation ports,” Bernard said. “Through SCOPE Africa, Liberia will gain access to critical technical assistance, security upgrades, and governance tools that will help our ports meet international standards and respond to the growing demands of modern global trade.”
For his part, the training Coordinator of SCOPE Africa initiative, Sendy Cranton, said these training interventions are intended to strengthen the national port security architecture and improve operational efficiency at the Freeport of Monrovia and other strategic port facilities.
Mr. Cranton said by improving port security, efficiency, and resilience, Liberia will be better positioned to better handle increased cargo volumes, attract investment, and compete more effectively within regional and continental trade networks.
SCOPE Africa Initiative is designed to enhance the resilience of African ports in the face of growing maritime threats while supporting safer and more efficient trade flows. Liberia’s inclusion comes through its active engagement with the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
