Grand Gedeh Police Commander Highlights Dire Conditions at National Palace of Corrections

By: Esther Natelia Scott

At the May Term of Court opening in Zwedru,  the Police Commander of Grand Gedeh County  Moses Gberyan issued a passionate appeal to
justice authorities, spotlighting the deteriorating conditions at the National
Palace of Corrections (NPC), located just outside the city.

In his address, Commander Gberyan  detailed a series of critical challenges
facing inmates at the facility, including the lack of clean drinking water,
absence of electricity, and a broken perimeter fence—issues he described as
posing serious risks to both inmates and the surrounding community.

“These are not just prisoners they are human beings, and
their basic rights must be respected,” he emphasized. “The NPC is without
electricity, forcing both inmates and staff to operate in darkness. There is no
access to adequate drinking water, and the fence surrounding the prison is
broken, posing a major security threat.”

The NPC in Zwedru is one of Liberia’s largest correctional
facilities, accommodating both pre-trial detainees and convicted inmates from
across southeastern Liberia.

Residents of Zwedru have also raised concerns, particularly
regarding the compromised security fence. “If inmates were to escape due to
poor security, it would be dangerous for all of us,” said a local businesswoman
who operates near the prison.

The Police Commander, Moses Gberyan concluded by calling on
the Ministry of Justice and other relevant national authorities to urgently
prioritize the rehabilitation of the NPC. He stressed that justice must extend
beyond courtrooms to include the conditions within prison walls.

At the same time, he issued a stern warning to residents
against interfering in police investigations or engaging in acts of violence.

“We continue to see situations where individuals try to
obstruct police work by protecting suspects or attempting to influence
investigations. This must stop,” he said.

 “The police need the
full cooperation of the public to ensure justice is served fairly and without
delay.”

As the May Court Term continues, the people of Grand Gedeh
County watch closely, hoping these long-standing issues will finally receive
the urgent attention they deserve.