President Boakai begins to roll out his ambitious development plan here immediately after he launched it with a promise to restore power to the port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
By Kruah Thompson
Buchanan, Liberia, January 16, 2025 – The port city of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, south-central Liberia, is set to receive electricity as part of the government’s new five-year National Development Plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), and its County Development Agendas (CDAs).
Speaking during the official launch of the development plan on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, President Joseph Nyumah revealed that he had been informed of the county’s lack of electricity and pledged to prioritize its electrification.
“I have just been informed that Buchanan doesn’t have electricity. This is something to think about,” President Boakai notes, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvement to address this issue.
He commends the leadership of Grand Bassa County for presenting their development plan, aligning with the national agenda to foster growth and address key challenges across the country.
“Today, we embark on a new chapter in Liberia’s history with the launch of the ARREST Agenda and the crucial County Development Agendas,” President Boakai continues.
The ARREST Agenda, along with the CDAs, is designed to address multidimensional poverty, promote inclusive growth, and improve the quality of life for Liberians nationwide.
The electrification of Grand Bassa County is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic development and improve living standards in the region.
This commitment by the President is a significant step in ensuring that all 15 counties, including Grand Bassa, benefit from Liberia’s development initiatives over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Grand Bassa County is one of Liberia’s oldest and most historically significant counties and is located in the country’s south-central region.
Bordered by Margibi County to the northwest, River Cess County to the east, Bong County to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, its capital, Buchanan, is a vital port city and serves as the county’s economic and administrative hub.
The county has deep historical roots, being one of the original three counties established during Liberia’s founding in 1847, playing a significant role in the nation’s early development, with Buchanan becoming an important trading center.
The Bassa ethnic group, one of Liberia’s major indigenous tribes, is predominant in the county, and their rich cultural heritage continues to shape the region’s identity.
The economy of Grand Bassa County is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and mining. Rubber production and subsistence farming are key activities in the area.
Additionally, Buchanan is home to one of Liberia’s major seaports, which facilitates export of iron ore, rubber, and other commodities.
Grand Bassa is known for its scenic beauty, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and rivers. Its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean offers potential for tourism development.
The county also has significant natural resources, including iron ore, timber, and fertile land for agriculture, but faces Infrastructure and Development Challenges such as limited infrastructure, inadequate access to electricity, and underdeveloped healthcare and education systems despite its economic potential.
The electrification of Buchanan and other parts of the county is expected to improve living standards and boost economic activities.
Hence, the most recent census conducted by the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) shows that Grand Bassa County has a population of approximately 250,000 people, comprising a mix of indigenous groups, including Bassa and Kru, as well as other Liberians who have settled in the area. Editing by Jonathan Browne
