Church of God Liberia signs lease agreement

Church of Liberia Incorporated entered into a lease agreement with an Indian business firm, G2, to modernize.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, July 15, 2024 –The Church of God World Missions Liberia, under the leadership of Church of God Liberia, Inc. Bishop Jacob H. Harris, has sealed a landmark 35-year lease agreement with an Indian businessman identified as G2 to modernize facilities at their headquarters near the newly built roundabout at ELWA Junction in Paynesville.

As part of the agreement, G2 will demolish, transfer, and reconstruct several key facilities at the Church of God World Missions Liberia Headquarters, including the Bishop’s residence, school facilities, the perimeter fence, and essential water infrastructure.

Additionally, G2 will build a flat-top building on a two-lot property owned by the church in Congo Town Back Road.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the NEW DAWN on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Monrovia, Bishop Harris revealed that the lease includes two phases: the first lasting 20 years and the second for 15 years. 

“The lease agreement, which marks a significant milestone for the church, facilitating much-needed upgrades and modern amenities, is twofold: the first phase shall last for 20 years, while the second will cover at least 15 years,” Bishop Harris explains. 

Over the last few years, the church has faced mounting pressure from the Liberian government’s Ministry of Public Works, which mandated all property owners, including businesses, to modernize their infrastructure in alignment with the development around ELWA Junction.

However, businesses such as City Builders, Eagle, Harbel, and Exclusive Supermarkets have already upgraded, prompting the church to seek viable solutions, including lease agreements and financial assistance from commercial banks.

“This lease agreement with G2 brings immense benefits to our church”, added Bishop Harris, disclosing that “G2 has kick-started the implementation process by committing an initial payment of US$100,000 with an additional US$100,000 designated for commencement of construction activities.

However, Bishop Harris reveals that challenges emerged during the ELWA Junction road construction, notably the partial demolition of the church’s perimeter fence due to the Liberian government installing a large electrical pole within the church compound, which threatened the church’s national headquarters.

Looking ahead, the church has secured 100 acres of land for its proposed new headquarters, and Bishop Harris has already initiated efforts to secure the area by planting palm seedlings.

The Bishop notes that the lease agreement signifies a new chapter for the Church of God World Missions Liberia, promising enhanced facilities and infrastructure to support its mission for years.