MONROVIA – The government of Liberia on Monday, June 24, 2024, received two buses from the Brazilian manufacturing company Marcopolo in Ghana, marking the first phase of a larger initiative to enhance the country’s public transportation system. The buses arrived in Ghana and were subsequently inspected at the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill by a team dispatched by President Boakai.
The short ceremony, attended by Marcopolo representatives, highlighted the beginning of a significant project aiming to address the critical shortage of public transport vehicles in Liberia. This initial delivery is part of a broader plan that will see 300 additional buses arriving soon from Ghana.
The inspection team included President Boakai’s Political Advisor, Madam McDella Cooper, his Senior Advisor, Dr. Augustine Konneh, and the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Minister Sylvester Grigsby. Political Advisor McDella Cooper confirmed that the buses met the necessary standards and that President Boakai was satisfied with their condition.
“The arrival of these buses will significantly enhance our transportation system,” said Cooper. “The President is pleased with the quality of the buses, and we look forward to the remaining 300 arriving soon.”
This initiative comes as the Liberia National Transit Authority (NTA) faces severe bus shortages, which have significantly affected public transport services, making it particularly difficult for University of Liberia students to commute to school. The introduction of new buses aims to alleviate these ongoing transportation issues, ensuring more efficient and reliable transport services across the country.
The government’s efforts to improve the public transportation infrastructure are seen as a critical step towards addressing the daily challenges faced by commuters, especially students and working professionals, thus promoting greater mobility and economic productivity in Liberia.
