Barclayville, Grand Kru County, Liberia – February 20, 2025 – Faced with a long-standing lack of a proper correctional facility in Grand Kru County, citizens and the Liberia National Police (LNP) have embarked on a self-initiated project to construct female holding cells at the Barclayville Police Headquarters. This initiative comes after nearly fifteen years of unsuccessful appeals to past and current administrations for a modern prison capable of housing both male and female inmates.
The project is being funded and supported by local citizens and the Grand Kru County Detachment of the LNP in response to the urgent need for appropriate detention facilities for female suspects. According to County Police Commander, ACP Clement Ballah, the new holding cells will provide a safe and secure environment for female detainees, ensuring they are treated with respect and in accordance with the rule of law.
ACP Ballah explained that, currently, female suspects undergoing police investigations are often detained in the conference room or various offices due to the existing female cell being occupied by the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation Authority. This situation has caused considerable embarrassment for the police.
A modern police headquarters and barracks, including male and female cells, were constructed in Barclayville in 2010 with funding from the German and Norwegian governments through the UN Mission in Liberia. However, the ongoing need for separate and appropriate holding facilities for female suspects has persisted.
The decision to undertake this project followed a recent security meeting where the absence of a prison compound in Grand Kru County was a key point of discussion. ACP Ballah emphasized the importance of citizen and stakeholder involvement in fast-tracking the project and called for the support of the County Legislative Caucus, highlighting the critical role of female holding cells in the administration of justice throughout the county.
Local citizens, including the business community, have welcomed the initiative and have begun contributing to the project. They have also called on the Boakai-led administration to consider constructing a modern prison in Grand Kru County, as a demonstration of their commitment to strengthening and improving Liberia’s criminal justice system.
In addition to the need for improved holding cells, the County Police Detachment faces significant logistical challenges, including a lack of operational vehicles. Their only vehicle is currently beyond repair, hindering their ability to effectively patrol and serve the county
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