The Minister of National Defense Geraldine Janet George-Johnson says the military operations of the country are being hindered by challenges due to the lack of financial support to the ministry.
Speaking Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the 68th Armed Forces Day celebration in Monrovia, the minister called for a timely completion of critical projects to include housing for the troops and renovation of the barracks being hindered by limited budgetary allotment.
“The timely completion of our critical projects such as housing for our troops and renovation of our barracks are hindered. Low budgetary allotment has hindered our ability to fully realize our potential,” she said. According to her, the operations of the military are stuck by inadequate logistical supply to the AFL.
“Operational efficiency is very cardinal to the work we do. Inadequate vehicles, low power supply, and insufficient medical supply continue to impact our operational efficiency,” Minister George-Johnson said.
The minister said the Liberian Coast Guard Base is currently threatened by coastal erosion which highlights the urgent need for sustainable environmental defense strategy, adding that inadequate accommodations for the military personnel and recreational facilities remain a major concern of the military.
Minister George-Johnson said the Ministry of National Defense remains unwavering to address the challenges of the Arm Forces of Liberia, calling on the national government to increase budgetary support to the Army to address these challenges. However, the Defense Minister lauded the Government and International Partners for their support to the Armed Forces.
“The support of the Government and International Partners, couple with your (President Joseph Boakai) vision to improve the living and working conditions of the men and women in arms, 2024 has been a year of significant advancement – advancing major barracks including Camp Junes in Kakata, Camp Gand in Sanniquellie; while Camp Wilsner in Grand Gedeh is learning completion. Work is expected at the Tubmanburg Military Barracks in Bomi,” the minister said.
She said, “We have expanded training facilities and introduced a cutting-edge facility including the new laboratory at the 14 – Military Hospital and an upcoming planned groundbreaking for the AFL Mental Wellness Center.”
Minister George-Johnson said to enhance the public military education, the Armed Forces of Liberia has introduced an educational curriculum for the Reserved Officers Training Course, ROTC, to be taught in schools across the country.
