The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, Friday, September 18, 2020 dedicated a state-of-the-art administrative headquarters office complex of the National Port Authority (NPA).
He described the milestone project, built under the two years by his administration through the Bill Twehway management, as momentous in the 72-year existence of the Gateway to Liberia’s economy, as the NPA is fondly called.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to witness the dedication of another milestone development, the multi-purpose headquarters building constructed by our administration—the first-ever since the Free Port of Monrovia was created and opened in 1948,” President Weah rightly boasted.
The Liberian leader said the structure, built on what was known as “Ground Zero” in the Port environment, was initiated few months after he toured the facility and prevailed on current Managing Director, Bill Twehway, to change the dynamics of leadership at the port and make history, not only for himself but also for the management and staff of the NPA.
The President further recalled how the birth of the magnificent building came to being: “Just a few months ago, I paid a visit here and met with the Managing Director who took me on a tour. We came to this place where the building stands today and I asked him what he intended to do with the space. After telling me what others had suggested to him should be done, I asked him if he believed in making history.”
President Weah explained that it was at this point that he also prevailed on Twehway to do what their predecessors—former managing directors and erstwhile presidents of Liberia—did not do during their tenures.
The Liberian Chief Executive indicated that the new NPA headquarters was a complete embodiment and representation of real, concrete development. He thanked the NPA and the entire management for transforming a mere conversation into a worthy monumental reality.
President Weah expressed excitement for the achievement, which he said is exemplary of the task bestowed on MD Twehway and his team.
Dr. Weah equated the construction of the building in the 72 years existence of the port to the demonstrated blessings of God, emphasizing, “Without God nothing is possible and nothing can be done.”
He also urged critics of his government to open their eyes to see concrete, on-going developments.
“Those who have eyes will see the positive changes, though there are others who turn their eyes the other ways and ignore our earnest development strides,” the President said.
He called on the NPA management to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the new headquarters complex at all times.