The Assistant Minister of Justice at the Ministry of Justice Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Atty. Gabriel F. Ndupellar, has raised concerns regarding the overcrowding of prison facilities across the country.
He expressed these concerns on Monday, May 26, 2025, during the launch of a training program in Bong County for 45 Correction Officers and 45 Probate Officers. This training is in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Assistant Minister Ndupellar pointed out that the overcrowding in prisons is primarily due to rising crime rates, which have become a significant issue as the population continues to grow. He emphasized the necessity for the government to expand prison facilities nationwide, noting that Gbarnga Central Prison, originally designed for only 129 inmates, has seen an increase in its inmate population due to the county’s demographic changes.
“If a person is taken to court and is incarcerated, but the community celebrates without serious consideration for the legal proceedings, we should advise the public defender to file a motion to dismiss the case,” he stated. Ndupellar mentioned that the ministry faces challenges related to pre-trial detention across the country. This situation affects not only Gbarnga Central Prison but also several other prisons in Liberia.
