CAPITOL BYE-PASS, Monrovia – The Liberian government, through the Director of the General Service Agency (GSA) Galakpah Kortima, has commenced discussions with various institutions and agencies currently occupying the former Gender Ministry building on Capitol By-pass to be relocated. This building currently accommodates entities including the Bureau of State Enterprise, Vital Statistic Section, and the Federation of Liberia Youth, among others.
By Siaway T. Miapue, contributing writer
When discussions are finalized, the building will be exclusively designated as the headquarters for the Liberia Immigration Services (LIS). Kortima, speaking to a team of reporters during a Monday morning inspection, assured the government entities currently housed in the building that they would be provided with suitable working environments during the transition. He emphasized that the relocation process would not disrupt government operations.
Kortima stated, “Our responsibility is to secure appropriate office spaces for all government sectors. We will not simply displace them without ensuring they have adequate, reasonable, and accessible alternatives.”
Stephen J.H. Zargo, Commissioner General of the LIS, commended the Liberian government for recognizing the necessity of relocating the LIS. Zargo, former Senator of Lofa County, was appointed by President Joseph Boakai to head the LIS. He described the move as a significant step toward enhancing the effectiveness of the LIS as a vital government institution.
LIS is one of the security agencies of the Ministry of Justice charged with the statutory mandate to enforce the Alien and Nationality Law of Liberia. In fulfillment of this primary responsibility it guards and protects the territorial boundaries and borders of Liberia against the illegal entry of persons into the Country: manages all land, air and sea borders and liaises with relevant government institutions to conduct background checks and screening of persons wanting to be issued national identity documents, such as passports, birth certificates and national identity cards.
LIS also participates in joint security operations to supplement the efforts of the Liberia National Police to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in Liberia. It also investigates organized criminal cartels engaged in cross border crimes, involving illicit mining, hunting and encroachment of Liberian territory, as well as smuggling, trafficking of arms, drugs, persons and wildlife.
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