Published: May 27, 2025
GBARNGA, Bong County — The Ministry of Justice, through its Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR), has launched a five-day Middle-Level Management Training Workshop aimed at reinforcing the rule of law and enhancing justice delivery in Liberia.
The training began on May 26, 2025, at the Gbarnga Regional Hub and marks the fourth cohort of this specialized program, designed to improve the operational efficiency of correctional facilities nationwide.
Held under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia: Justice and Security for the Liberian People,” the initiative is part of the BCR’s broader strategic plan to modernize prison management, build staff capacity, and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates as responsible citizens.
In his opening remarks, Assistant Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Atty. Gabriel F. Ndupellar, emphasized that the program reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to transforming Liberia’s corrections system into a professional and accountable institution.
According to Ndupellar, 37 officers—including 11 women and 26 men—from various correctional facilities across the country are participating in this cohort.
Throughout the workshop, participants are being trained in leadership and organizational structure, security protocols, ethics in corrections, report writing, professional conduct, and the responsible use of social media.
“This program will enhance the skills of our mid-level officers and help cultivate a culture of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights within our correctional institutions,” Ndupellar said.
He reminded participants that the BCR’s role extends beyond detention to rehabilitation, consistent with its legal mandate.
Florida K. Bakannah, BCR’s chief trainer, provided an overview of the training and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s correctional infrastructure.
“We cannot ensure safety and order in our facilities without a well-trained and adequately equipped workforce,” she said.
Also in attendance was J. Howard Matadi, a social worker and founder of CARE Outreach Initiative Incorporated, a Liberian civil society organization registered since 2014.
Matadi underscored the importance of partnerships between government agencies and civil society, especially in promoting human rights and inmate rehabilitation.
“Our organization has conducted prison visits, delivered donations, developed project proposals for inmate support, and worked with communities near correctional centers to promote safety and dignity,” he noted.
He also called for a reassessment of pre-trial detention cases, pointing out that many individuals are being held for minor offenses, such as petty theft or possession of a mobile phone.
The current BCR training is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 30, 2025. Insights from this cohort are expected to inform future efforts as Liberia continues modernizing its correctional system—ensuring it upholds human dignity while maintaining law and order.
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