By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, May 11, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commissioned a state-of-the-art US$5.5 million television and radio broadcasting complex at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), describing the new facility as “bringing LBS back on track as a world-class broadcasting institution.”
The newly constructed complex features seven modern studios for recording and broadcasting, a central control system, satellite broadcasting capabilities, and advanced technical infrastructure meeting international standards. As part of the project, the Chinese government also constructed a fire hydrant and water supply system to serve LBS and the surrounding communities.
The project stems from a US$5.5 million agreement signed in April 2024 between the Government of Liberia and the People’s Republic of China to refurbish and expand the former ELBC facility—an institution that endured years of civil conflict, resulting in damaged infrastructure and the displacement of many broadcasting professionals. Before the agreement was signed, President Boakai presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on August 20, 2024, officially launching the construction works.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing effort to rebuild and modernize its state broadcasting system after decades of decline due to civil conflict and limited investment. Government officials state that the project will greatly enhance national broadcasting capacity, expand coverage across the country, and strengthen public communication and information dissemination.
At the commissioning ceremony held at the LBS main office compound on Friday, May 8, 2026, President Boakai expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping, conveyed through the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, for the “extraordinary support and partnership.”
“This modern broadcasting complex marks a new era in public communication and national development. For decades, LBS operated with a 2,000 kilowatt transmission system. Today, we proudly graduate to a 10,000 kilowatt transmission capacity that will significantly expand coverage and strengthen the voice of Liberia across our nation and beyond,” President Boakai remarked.
Founded in 1956 as the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation, LBS has served as the voice of the Liberian people for nearly 70 years. Despite enduring hardship during the civil conflict, President Boakai noted the institution’s survival through resilience and sacrifice.
He also acknowledged the family of the late Charles Gbeyon, including his two children who traveled from the United States to honor and preserve their father’s legacy. The facility was named in honor of Charles Gbeyon, recognizing employees who died in the line of duty.
Additionally, President Boakai paid tribute to several individuals for their significant contributions to Liberian broadcasting, including Tommy Raynes, Eustace Smith, Kwame Clement, Charles Gbeyon, Victoria Raffell, Olivia Shannon, Cyrus Badio, Patrick Manjoe, and Charles Snetter.
“Today, we proudly declare that LBS is back on track as a world-class broadcasting institution. To the employees of LBS, this building is now entrusted to your stewardship. Its true value will be measured by your professionalism, integrity, and service to the Liberian people,” he added.
In closing, President Boakai again thanked President Xi Jinping, the Government and people of China, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, the LBS Board, Director General Eugene Fahngon, and the LBS management team for their dedication and commitment, promising to host a formal appreciation ceremony in their honor at a later date.
Prior to the President’s remarks, Senator Samuel Kogar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting, and Emmanuel Dahn, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, praised President Boakai and recommended that the Chinese Ambassador assist with the solarization of the facility to address electricity challenges at LBS.
In response, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia congratulated the Liberian Government and stakeholders for their tireless efforts in completing the project, describing the facility as “a new chapter for LBS” and a renewed commitment to strengthening China-Liberia relations.
Though the ambassador did not directly address the lawmakers’ recommendations regarding solarization, he emphasized that the facility was designed not only as a broadcasting space but also as a hub for creativity and innovation—reflecting China’s ongoing commitment to supporting Liberia’s capacity building and sustainable development.
He also expressed hope that the project would enable LBS to reach a wider audience, improve programming quality and reliability, and better serve the Liberian people.
“Since 2006, China has provided several phases of technical assistance and training to support the sustainable operation of LBS facilities,” the ambassador said, pledging continued technical support in the future.
Olivia Shannon, Co-Chairperson of the LBS Board of Directors, speaking on behalf of Board Chair and Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, recalled a visit by the Chinese Ambassador during which China expressed readiness to construct the facility—a visit that led to a formal agreement, culminating in the completion and dedication of the modern broadcasting complex.
Shannon thanked the Government and people of China for completing the project within a short timeframe, and commended President Boakai for appointing a board largely comprised of experienced former LBS staff.
The event featured cultural performances and was attended by several government officials, including former Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie, lawmakers, and other dignitaries.
