Liberia: Nimba Supt. Gono Hails Transport Union’s Contribution to Development

Bahn, Nimba County – The Superintendent  of Nimba County, Kou Meapeah Gono has praised the leadership and members of the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia (FRTUL) for their contribution to development, describing transportation as a vital sector in one of Liberia’s largest and most economically active counties.

Supt. Gono made the remarks at the dedication ceremony of the FRTUL’s Modern Transport Terminal in Bahn City, Nimba County.

 She commended the union for supporting development activities across several cities and communities in Nimba, including Ganta, Tappita, Saclepea, Bahn and Luogatuo.

“This is a very important program one that shows the tenacity and developmental mindset of the Nimba people,” Supt. Gono stated.

“The union’s leadership and board deserve commendation for their support to development initiatives across the county.”

She pledged the support of the Nimba County Administration toward the union’s activities, saying partnership between local authorities and transport operators is essential to improving mobility, trade  and community development.

Transportation Vital to Nimba

Supt. Gono also paid tribute to drivers, commercial motorcyclists and transport operators across Nimba County, acknowledging the daily challenges they face in moving people and goods across the county’s vast terrain.

“Transportation is a big sector here because we are a county that is big by land and by population,” she said. “For our people to get around, the transport sector is important.”

Nimba County, with its capital in Sanniquellie and major commercial center in Ganta, relies heavily on road transport to connect farming communities, border towns, markets, schools and health facilities.  

The county’s location along Liberia’s borders with Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire also makes efficient transport infrastructure important for cross-border commerce.

The Superintendent gave special recognition to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and Vice President Jeremiah Koung for prioritizing road infrastructure, which she said would ease the work of transporters and improve travel conditions for residents.

She particularly praised Vice President Koung, a son of Nimba County, for efforts aimed at connecting bridges and roads across the county.

Supt. Gono further disclosed that this year’s county budget includes a US$1 million intervention for road projects, expected to begin soon to help address some of the county’s road challenges.

Liberia’s road network remains central to national development, with the Boakai administration identifying road rehabilitation and connectivity as key priorities for improving travel, commerce and access to essential services.

The ceremony ended with renewed calls for continued collaboration among transport leaders, local authorities and residents to promote peace, development, and improved mobility throughout Nimba County.

Union Honors Superintendent

During the colorful ceremony at the Bahn terminal, the FRTUL leadership in Nimba County, headed by Martin Beito Honor, described Supt. Gono as the “Chief Driver” of the county in recognition of her support for development and transport-related initiatives.

In response, Supt. Gono expressed thanks and appreciation for the honor. She again pledged her personal support, as well as that of the County Administration, toward the activities of the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia in Nimba County.

Modern Terminals Planned

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Board Chair of the FRTUL Nimba County Branch, Ganta Businessman Prince P. S. Howard, announced plans to undertake major transformation work at all FRTUL branches and terminals across the county.

He said the union intends to develop modern terminal facilities, including at the Ganta main office, to improve comfort, safety and order for passengers, drivers, and transport operators.

Howard said the planned upgrades would help strengthen the union’s presence across Nimba and support the county’s growing transport needs.

Union President Highlights Gains

The President of the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia in Nimba County, Martin Beito, praised past leaders and partners for laying the foundation of the union, while announcing major infrastructure achievements across several parts of the county.

Speaking at the dedication of the modern FRTUL Bahn Terminal, Beito expressed gratitude and renewed commitment to national development.

He paid special tribute to former union president Lawrence W. Queeglay, describing his leadership and sacrifices as essential to the union’s growth. He also thanked Bahn City Mayor Sarpah B. Mah for negotiating and welcoming the union into the city.

Beito described the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia as a noble institution recognized nationally and internationally.

 He said engagements with transport unions in other countries have shown the importance of investing in transportation, infrastructure, and organizational development.

“Having served the union in several capacities before becoming president, I made development my central priority,” he said.

Beito credited union members, executive officers, and supporters for helping to turn the union’s vision into reality.

Projects Across Nimba

Among the achievements announced, Beito said the union transformed its head office in Ganta City into a modern facility. In Luogatuo, near the Liberia–Côte d’Ivoire border a modern transport terminal has been constructed while renovation works are ongoing in Saclepea to improve facilities for transport users.

He further disclosed that construction of a modern office in Tappita City is in progress and has reached more than 60 percent completion.

In Bahn, Beito said the union responded to the call of residents and completed the construction of a modern transport terminal at a cost of more than L$2 million.

“And here in Bahn, we responded to the call of our people, committed our resources, and completed a modern transport terminal for our people today,” he said.

The Union President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of past leaders and improving transport services across Nimba County.