Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s long-standing electrical problems require immediate collaborative action, according to Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who has called for a change from talks to workable solutions.
Speaking to stakeholders on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the National Energy Sector Coordination Retreat in Ganta, Nimba County, VP Koung emphasized the importance of Liberia giving top priority to putting policies in place that would result in a reliable and effective electricity sector.
He pointed out that although the country’s energy issues have been detailed in a number of papers, there haven’t been any tangible steps taken.
Government officials, energy specialists, and members from the business sector convened for a two-day retreat to develop plans to enhance the production and delivery of power around the country. In order to fortify the industry, participants discussed possible collaborations, regulatory frameworks, and investment prospects.
VP Koung urged authorities to take partnerships into consideration in order to guarantee Liberians have access to dependable power, pointing to privatization as a feasible alternative. He commended Jungle Energy Power for keeping Nimba County’s energy supply steady since 2015, noting that aside from natural disasters, the firm has reduced power interruptions.
The theft of power is still a major problem, VP Koung expressed worried about certain Liberia Electricity Corporation staff engaging in unlawful actions that compromise service quality. He stressed that Liberia must take full responsibility for its energy fate and demanded accountability as well as tougher actions to address the problem.
Stakeholders are investigating long-term energy options that complement the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development as part of the talks. The conference also addresses gaps in policy enforcement and infrastructure while concentrating on the nation’s shift to renewable energy sources.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency, and the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission are among the government organizations spearheading the discussion. These organizations are in the process of creating a thorough four-year energy plan.
Following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent decision to boost energy sector reforms through Executive Order No. 137, which amends an earlier order to improve monitoring and implementation of important energy projects, the talks are taking place. To advance these efforts, Vice President Koung has been assigned to lead a high-level steering committee.
The St. Paul River 2nd Hydropower Plant and the Solar Independent Power Producer program are the projects that are the focus of the government’s increased attention. These initiatives seek to lessen Liberia’s dependency on pricey imports of fossil fuels and increase the country’s capability for renewable energy.
The Boakai-Koung administration is dedicated to addressing the electricity situation and providing long-term solutions, VP Koung informed stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of sustainable energy development for the advancement of the country and called on all sectors to participate.
