The Chinese government, in a gesture to enhance road safety in Liberia donated 2,000 motorcycle helmets to the Liberia National Police (LNP). The donation ceremony, held on December 23, 2024, at the LNP headquarters in Monrovia, underscores China’s commitment to fostering public safety and strengthening its strategic partnership with Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chainwal emphasized the critical role motorcyclists play in Liberia’s transportation system. He noted that the high risks motorcyclists face on the roads make safety gear indispensable. “Every year, many accidents occur due to a lack of proper safety measures. A helmet is one of the simplest and most effective tools to protect riders from serious injuries,” Ambassador Yin stated.
The donation aligns with the broader framework of cooperation between Liberia and China, which has grown significantly since the elevation of their relationship to a strategic partnership. Ambassador Yin highlighted that this collaboration spans multiple sectors, including infrastructure, education, and health. “This donation aims to enhance traffic safety in Liberia, ensuring citizens can enjoy a happy and safe life,” he added, stressing that public safety and efficient transportation systems are vital for Liberia’s economic growth and societal well-being.
Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory O.W. Coleman, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support in promoting peace and security in Liberia. Coleman pointed out that the holiday season often sees increased road usage, making the timing of this initiative particularly significant. “Our intent with the road safety campaign is not to punish anyone but to keep people safe. We focus on education rather than enforcement, but we hope safety becomes a way of life for everyone,” he said.
The LNP announced that the helmets would be distributed immediately, with some allocated to the leadership of the Motorcycle Union for broader dissemination. The remaining helmets will support the LNP’s road safety awareness campaign, launched on December 24, 2024. This campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the life-saving potential of wearing helmets.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh commended the donation, describing it as a valuable contribution to Liberia’s development agenda under President Boakai’s leadership. Minister Tweh urged motorcyclists to comply with traffic regulations, emphasizing that motorcycles are among the most vulnerable vehicles on the roads. “Wearing a helmet may not prevent all injuries, but it significantly increases the likelihood of saving lives in the event of an accident,” he said.
The President of the Motorcycle Union of Liberia, John Cayon, also expressed appreciation for the helmets, noting that they address a critical safety need for motorcyclists across the country. However, he highlighted that over 350,000 motorcyclists in Liberia still lack adequate safety gear. “We understand the risks involved in riding without safety gear, so we have decided to cooperate with the police by adhering to traffic regulations,” Cayon remarked.
Beyond safety, Cayon appealed to the Chinese government to extend support to motorcyclists through educational scholarships. “Motorcycle riding is not just a career; it’s a stepping stone to better our lives,” he stated, urging the Chinese Embassy to consider this request as part of its broader engagement with Liberia.
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