ECOWAS Opens Temporary Joint Border Facility at Bo Waterside

BO WATERSIDE, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened a Temporary Joint Border Post at Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County, in an effort to improve movement, trade and security between Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone.

The temporary facility will accommodate key border institutions, including customs, immigration, security and other government agencies, while construction continues on the permanent ECOWAS Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post.

ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, Ambassador Mohammed Konneh, described the opening as an important step toward stronger regional cooperation and closer integration among West African countries.

He said the joint border arrangement is expected to reduce unnecessary delays for travelers and traders, strengthen security procedures and improve coordination among agencies operating at the Liberia–Sierra Leone crossing.

According to Ambassador Konneh, the project reflects ECOWAS Vision 2050, which seeks to build a peaceful, connected and economically prosperous West Africa where citizens can travel, work and trade with fewer restrictions.

“This is more than bricks and mortar,” Ambassador Konneh said. “It is a shared investment in connectivity, economic development and the welfare of communities living along the border.”

He noted that effective border management is central to regional integration. He said a well-organized border system can support legitimate trade and travel while helping both countries protect their national security interests.

Ambassador Konneh urged contractors working on the permanent Joint Border Post to complete the project within the agreed timeframe and meet required standards. He also called on customs, immigration, security and other beneficiary institutions to remain actively involved so that the final facility responds to their operational needs.

Officials expect the joint border team to begin using the temporary post by the end of August. Their relocation will allow construction work on the permanent structure to move forward.

The temporary building includes office space, access to running water, toilet facilities and work areas for customs, immigration and security officers.

Daniel Sartee, Director for Operations at the Liberia Immigration Service, welcomed the opening of the facility. He said the new working environment should help immigration officers provide better and more efficient services to people crossing the border.

Williams Gegeh, Manager for Customs Modernization at the Liberia Revenue Authority, said the temporary post would improve customs operations, revenue collection and monitoring of goods entering and leaving Liberia.

He, however, emphasized the need for the permanent Joint Border Post to be completed without delay. According to him, a modern and fully equipped facility will help reduce revenue leakages and strengthen the management of cross-border trade.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Deputy Minister of Finance for Economic Management, Dehpue Y. Zuo, described the initiative as a major development for Liberia, Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region.

Minister Zuo said the joint border post is intended to resolve long-standing challenges faced by traders, transport operators and travelers, including repeated inspections, lengthy delays and high crossing costs.

He said the facility would improve cooperation among border agencies, shorten the time required to cross between the two countries, support legitimate businesses and strengthen government revenue collection.

Zuo also highlighted the importance of Bo Waterside as one of Liberia’s major trade entry points and transport corridors. He thanked ECOWAS, the Government of Sierra Leone, Liberia’s border agencies, traditional leaders, local communities and development partners for supporting the project.

Officials at the ceremony stressed that the modernization of border services goes beyond commercial activities. They said improved cooperation among customs, immigration, health and security agencies is necessary to prevent smuggling, protect public revenue and promote the safety of people living in border communities.

The Bo Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post is expected to become a major symbol of cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone, while also serving as a model for integrated border management across the Mano River Basin.

With the temporary facility now operational, stakeholders are calling for the prompt completion of the permanent Joint Border Post to advance ECOWAS’ wider objective of creating a safer, more connected and economically active West Africa.