The groundbreaking ceremony and handing over sites for the construction of the Joint Border Post (JBP) at Jendema-Bo Waterside Border (Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia) and Jendemain the Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District took place on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at which ceremony the various speakers underlined that the project aligns with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Vision 2050 which emphasizes the seamless movement of people and goods in addition to prioritizing economic integration and trade expansion.
The project is expected to be completed in 24-months.
In her keynote address, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Her Excellency DamtienTchintchibidja, articulated that at 50, ECOWAS has championed the movement of goods and people, transformed from a commission to people and appealed to the contractor to ensure high quality and timely completion of the project.
The Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Development and Economic Planning (MoPED), Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams acclaimed President Julius Maada Bio for his steadfast commitment to promote regional integration representing unity, progress and shared responsibility underlining that the project’s long-term sustainability would expand socio-economic opportunities and encouraged the people to take ownership of it.
The Deputy Minister further urged the contractor to uphold professionalism assuring that government would provide all the necessary support for its success.
The JPS will be subdivided into zones for passenger transport, cargo handling, transit and inspection operations. The site on the Jendema side covers an area of about 20.26 acres while that on the Bo-Waterside is 18.10 acres and will comprise an administrative block, rest shelter, Customs Brigade, Inspection Area, Weighbridge, scanner control area, generator maintenance, storage room, health services and toilets.
The objectives of the project, wholly funded by ECOWAS, is part of Commission’s regional transport facilitation program to enhance trade efficiency, reduce traffic delays and promote seamless movement of goods and persons across borders.
Furthermore, the construction of the border postis strategically designed to integrate the two border communities of Sierra Leone and Liberia thus improving cross border collaboration and regional connectivity.
The ECOWAS Commission is establishing JBPs in Member Countries to facilitate easy crossing, free movement of people, inter-state trade to save time spent at checkpoints and reduce attendant cost and in the process provide sustainable and automated system for maximum efficiency befitting the 21st century border posts.
Furthermore, the JBP will minimize accidents and losses at border crossings, promote regional integration and socio-economic development.
The Paramount Chief of Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, MustaphaMassaquoi acclaimed President Julius Maada Bio for the initiative, recalled that the former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidi Tunis initiated the idea of the JBP four years ago and commended Sierra Leone’s Ambassadors in Guinea and Liberia respectively affirming that we are all one people.
Other dignitaries who made statements at the iconic event were the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Dr. Hassan Morliawho affirmed that the project is an important milestone between the two countries and ECOWAS to deepen friendship and diplomatic relations as well as trade.
He continued that the project is a beacon of successful relations to promote cross-border movements in addition to creating jobs for youths and that it would build bridges and connects people.
The Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Liberia,asserted that the ceremony is a testament of regional cooperation informing that the community levy are utilized for such projects.
Other speakers, including the Liberian Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, reiterated that the project would transform the lives of the peoplein the two countries highlighting the tremendous progress ECOWAS has made over the past 50 years.
Highlights of the ceremony were PowerPoint presentation of the project and the foundation laying and handing over of the project sites to the contractors on both sides of the border.
