By By: Staff Writer
Johnsonville, Montserrado County — In a major boost for public education in Montserrado County District #2, Representative Sekou S. Kanneh on Friday, January 9, 2026, officially broke ground for the construction of a 10-classroom annex at Johnsonville Public School, a project aimed at easing overcrowding and improving learning conditions for hundreds of students.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew community leaders, education officials, parents, and students, all of whom described the initiative as a long-awaited step toward strengthening the township’s education system.
Speaking at the event, Rep. Kanneh said the project represents more than physical infrastructure—it is an investment in Liberia’s future.
“Education is the foundation of development. By expanding Johnsonville Public School, we are ensuring that every child in this district has a fair chance to learn in a safe, modern, and supportive environment,” Kanneh said.
He disclosed that the project is valued at US$150,000 and will be completed within the shortest possible time.
Kanneh emphasized that public schools serve as the primary option for families who enroll their children based on proximity rather than financial capacity. He said the additional classrooms will help reduce congestion, improve the quality of instruction, and bring the school closer to national education standards.
The lawmaker further explained that the project was made possible through legislative engagement and collaboration with relevant government institutions, adding that the funding reflects public resources secured through advocacy and cooperation. He urged residents and local leaders to take collective ownership of the facility and protect it once completed.
Johnsonville Township Commissioner John S. Randall praised the initiative, describing it as a shift from “rhetoric to real, measurable action,” and called on residents to support and safeguard the project.
School Principal Victor L. King welcomed the expansion, noting that overcrowded classrooms and limited space have long hampered effective teaching and learning.
“This annex will create a more conducive environment for both teachers and students. It is a game-changer for Johnsonville Public School,” King said.
Also speaking, Amos Karneh, Chair of the Montserrado County School System Board, commended Rep. Kanneh’s leadership and pledged continued cooperation with district authorities in line with Liberia’s national education policies.
Parents and community members expressed optimism that the new annex will improve academic performance, student safety, and comfort, while reducing the need for children to travel long distances in search of classroom space.
James D. Williams, spokesperson of the Johnsonville Student Union, used the occasion to thank the township leadership for supporting youth development, while advocating for skills-based education. He announced the upcoming launch of the Love Life Empowerment Foundation on January 24, an initiative designed to equip students with vocational and technical skills before graduating from high school, and appealed to Rep. Kanneh and other leaders for support.
Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion projected in the near future—marking what many in Johnsonville view as the start of a new chapter for public education in the township.
