A three-member delegation from Harvard University on Monday, March 10, 2025, visited the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) as part of a working mission aimed at digitizing records from the twelve-year tenure of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The delegation was led by Riain Ross-Hager, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Project Archivist from Harvard Library’s University Archives.
The collaboration between Harvard University and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Foundation focuses on preserving the presidential documents of Sirleaf at the Liberian National Archives.
During their visit, the delegation toured various facilities within the CNDRA, including the Digital Scanning Center (DSC), the Repository, and the offices housing legal instruments and public records.
Speaking on behalf of the Harvard team, Riain Ross-Hager expressed gratitude for the heartfelt reception they received from CNDRA management.
He further emphasized that the project to digitize Sirleaf’s presidential documents represents a vital opportunity for future partnership between Harvard University and the National Archives of Liberia.
The delegation much admired the commitment of CNDRA staff, acknowledging the significant work and passion exhibited despite challenges, particularly financial constraints.
For his part, Center for National Documents and Records Agency Deputy Director General Gabriel N. Domah welcomed the visit and the collaboration facilitated through the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Foundation.
He noted that while CNDRA can host the records, they face difficulties due to low government budgetary support, which impacts the agency’s operations significantly.
Domah also advocated for the establishment of a presidential archives or presidential library to house all presidential documents in Liberia, highlighting the need for enhanced partnerships with both local and international organizations to transform the National Archives.
He warned that many documents within the agency are at risk, stressing the urgency of digitization efforts to ensure their preservation.
