By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially inaugurated Liberia’s first Regional Passport Hub in Gbarnga, Bong County, on Monday, opening a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to decentralize essential services. The hub is the first outside Monrovia and is part of a broader initiative supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve access across Liberia’s 178-year-old republic.

Until now, all Liberian passports had to be obtained in the capital—creating financial and logistical challenges for citizens in outlying regions. Long travel times, overnight stays, and travel costs deterred many—including students, traders, and professionals—from accessing passports.

The Gbarnga hub is fully equipped with modern biometric systems and staffed by trained personnel, marking the beginning of a planned phased rollout to other counties, including Grand Gedeh. Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti emphasized that these hubs symbolize inclusion and equity, bringing government services closer to the people.

For residents of Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, the hub eliminates the need for long and often costly trips to Monrovia. It reduces barriers of time and resources, especially for those with limited means or restrictive responsibilities at home.

It also addresses a longstanding service gap. Centralized document issuance in the capital meant limited oversight and accessibility for those in rural areas, affecting education, trade, travel, and formal employment opportunities.

The announcement has been welcomed by locals, signaling relief and hope.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a second hub is being prepared in Grand Gedeh County, set to launch within weeks. Ministry officials also stated that other counties will be assessed and included in future expansion phases.