By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, July 15, 2026; The Government has announced that Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, will host the country’s 179th Independence Day celebration on July 26, 2026.
Grand Bassa is no stranger to hosting the national event. The county previously hosted Liberia’s Independence Day celebration in 2020 under former President George Weah as part of the government’s decentralization policy, which sought to rotate major national events outside Monrovia.
The decentralization initiative began in 2013, when Gbarpolu, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties jointly hosted the 166th Independence Day celebration, the first time the national observance was held outside Monrovia. The celebrations later returned to Montserrado County in 2016, 2018 and 2019 before the government again selected Grand Bassa for this year’s commemoration.
The 2026 celebration is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and opposition representatives under the national theme: “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership.”
According to the government, this year’s observance will celebrate Liberia’s journey as Africa’s oldest independent republic while emphasizing the importance of Liberian-led leadership in fostering national unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development.
Announcing the plans on Tuesday, Deputy Minister for Information Daniel O. Sando said the National Orator, Dr. Herbert Brewer, is expected to deliver an address that will encourage reflection on Liberia’s history and national identity, celebrate the resilience of the Liberian people, and inspire a renewed sense of collective responsibility for peace, development and national cohesion.
Sando said the 179th Independence Day celebration in Buchanan will be marked with dignity, gratitude and a shared commitment to strengthening Liberia’s democratic values and national identity.
He also called on Liberians at home and abroad, as well as members of the international community, to join in commemorating the historic occasion with renewed patriotism and dedication to the country’s continued progress.
