By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Deputy Superintendent for Operations at the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP), Jackson K. Kolako has applauded the Government of Liberia, particularly Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh, for facilitating his participation in a two-week international crisis management training for prison administrators in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Kolako described the opportunity as a major step toward strengthening Liberia’s correctional system, noting that Minister Tweh’s oversight and commitment to reform continue to open avenues for professional growth and institutional improvement.“
The Minister’s oversight and commitment to correctional reform continue to create opportunities for professional development and institutional advancement,” Kolako said.
According to him, the training provided a rare platform to learn from diverse correctional systems while exchanging practical experiences on managing crises within prison environments.“
The lessons on early warning systems, coordinated response, and incident command will significantly support ongoing reforms within Liberia’s prison system,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberian delegation, Kolako also expressed gratitude to the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) and the Ministry of Justice for ensuring Liberia’s participation in the program.
“We are grateful to the leadership of the BCR and the Ministry of Justice, particularly Atty. Gabriel F. Ndupellar and his team, for ensuring that Liberia was represented at this important international training,” he stated.
The intensive two-week program on Crisis Management for Prison Administrators was held from January 26 to February 6, 2026, in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, with the objective of enhancing prison safety, security, and crisis preparedness across participating countries.
Kolako was joined by Charles Z. Mahn, Superintendent of the Sanniquellie Central Prison, and Ms. Susan G. Merriam, Deputy Superintendent for Administration at the Harper Central Prison.
He further emphasized that Minister Tweh’s continued support for correctional reform efforts cannot be overemphasized, adding that the knowledge and skills gained from the training are expected to contribute significantly to improvements within Liberia’s prison system.
Kolako also acknowledged the management and officers of the Monrovia Central Prison for maintaining safety and security during his absence.
“Together, we learn. Together, we improve. Together, we strengthen corrections,” he remarked.
The training program was an initiative of the Government of the United States of America, supported through the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia and the U.S. Embassy near Rabat, Morocco, under the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
It brought together prison leaders from Cape Verde, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and Liberia, fostering regional and international collaboration on correctional best practices.
The implementation of the program was carried out in collaboration with the National Training Institute in Tiflet, Morocco, a recognized regional center for security and corrections training.
Key thematic areas covered included incident command systems, early warning indicators, inter-agency coordination, leadership during emergencies, and post-incident evaluation.
The Ministry of Justice has initially described the training as a critical component of its broader correctional reform agenda, aimed at enhancing safety, professionalism, and accountability across Liberia’s prison system.
participating superintendents are expected to transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to their respective institutions and contribute to nationwide improvements in prison crisis management practices.
