Published: October 7, 2024
CLAY ASHLAND, Montserrado – The police station and court facility in Clay Ashland, Montserrado County’s District #17, are currently deserted, causing distress and fear among local residents.
A recent visit by our reporters found both buildings abandoned, with no officers in sight and the court’s main door locked. Local residents shared that the court has been closed since September 9, 2024, and no official explanation has been provided for the closure. This has led to a backlog of cases, with some detainees languishing in Monrovia Central Prison awaiting trial.
A self-identified local police officer noted the isolation of the area and mentioned that many officers seek reassignments due to the lack of activity. “Most of the officers assigned here request transfer to other duties. They can’t work here due to the isolation,” he stated.
This neglect has led to serious concerns over public safety. “We live in constant fear, especially at night, due to the absence of law enforcement,” one resident explained.
The community has urgently called on the national government for intervention, stressing the acute need for enhanced security measures, as well as improved educational and healthcare services. “It feels like we’ve been forgotten. We need help now,” expressed a community member.
With a population exceeding 10,000, as recorded in the 2022 National Population Census, Clay-Ashland faces significant challenges, including poor road conditions and a lack of essential infrastructure.
In a curious note, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, who hails from the area, is reportedly building a home here amidst the absence of police presence.
As insecurity continues to escalate, the question looms: How long will Clay Ashland remain a ghost camp, and what actions will the government undertake to restore normalcy?
Despite the apparent inaction from local authorities, District #17 Representative Bernard Benson, known as DJ Blue, has voiced concern for the residents’ plight but emphasized the importance of community engagement in national safety efforts.
Clay-Ashland, situated about 10 miles from Monrovia, is steeped in history, named after Henry Clay and his estate in Kentucky, USA. Established in 1846 by the American Colonization Society under a program called Kentucky in Africa, the township has been home to several notable Liberians including William D. Coleman and Alfred Francis Russell, former Presidents of Liberia. The township’s historical significance includes being the founding place of the True Whig Party in 1869.
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