The National Port Authority (NPA) has honored eighteen long-service and early-retired employees at a ceremony held at its Corporate Headquarters on Bushrod Island. The program brought together families, workers, and sector partners, including APM Terminals, the Ministry of Labour, the Customs Brokers Association President, James Hinneh, the Truckers Union President, Omaru Fofana, and a broad representation of port stakeholders.
Former Montserrado County Superintendent Grace T. Kpan served as the keynote speaker and complimented the retirees for decades of disciplined service in Liberia’s port sector. Madam Kpan highlighted Liberia’s position as a major global maritime registry with over five hundred international shipping lines flying the country’s flag.
She expressed concern that few Liberians work aboard those vessels and urged the Government of Liberia to create stronger employment pathways for Liberian seafarers. She encouraged the NPA administration to strengthen worker welfare and recommended a Christmas bonus to demonstrate appreciation for the workforce.
For his part, NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly paid tribute to the retirees, whose service spans 15 to 25 years across security, marine operations, safety enforcement, yard coordination, and administrative functions. He noted that their daily conduct supported cargo flow, strengthened national trade, and anchored the stability of the Freeport of Monrovia and all outstation ports.
The Management honored staff who completed advanced refresher courses, technical certifications, and international training programs across Asia and the African continent under the current administration. These achievements strengthened professional development across the Authority.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of service tokens to all retirees in recognition of their discipline, sacrifice, and contribution to Liberia’s national development. The National Port Authority reaffirms its commitment to worker welfare, operational excellence, and sustained reforms across all ports under its leadership, a press release indicated.
