GRAND BASSA CO., LIBERIA – Henry Wesseh, a young man from Yarkpa Town, Rivercess County, who aspired to become an officer in the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), tragically passed away on Friday during a physical fitness test in Buchanan. The test was part of the ongoing recruitment and vetting exercise being conducted by the LIS.
According to a press release issued by the LIS on Friday, August 23, 2024, Wesseh collapsed at the Dorris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan, where candidates from Region One, including Margibi, Rivercess, and Grand Bassa Counties, had gathered for the physical test. He was immediately rushed to the Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan City but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Wesseh had successfully passed the first two phases of the recruitment process, which included an application and a written test, before collapsing during the physical test. The LIS expressed deep regret over the incident and extended sincere condolences to Wesseh’s family and loved ones.
“The Liberia Immigration Service is saddened to inform the public of the loss of one of the applicants, Henry Wesseh, in Grand Bassa County. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased,” the LIS stated in its release.
The recruitment process for the Liberia Immigration Service involves five phases: application, written test, physical test, medical examination, and admission to training at the Liberia Immigration Service Training Academy (LISTA) in Foya City, Lofa County. The process aims to recruit 500 new officers through a transparent and competitive selection.
The physical test was conducted simultaneously across various regions in Liberia, with nearly 4,000 candidates participating. Test locations included the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Paynesville for candidates from Montserrado County, Dorris Williams Sports Stadium in Buchanan for candidates from Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Rivercess Counties, and other designated venues across the country.
A total of 9,743 candidates applied to join the LIS between July 22 and August 2, 2024. After initial credential and age checks, 8,100 candidates were shortlisted to take the written test. The LIS reiterated that the recruitment process is being conducted in line with best practices, and background checks will continue throughout the next phases to ensure that the final selection is transparent and fair.
As the LIS moves forward with its recruitment exercise, the passing of Henry Wesseh is a somber reminder of the physical and emotional challenges faced by candidates aspiring to serve their country. The incident underscores the importance of safety and preparedness in such rigorous selection processes.
