Published: November 7, 2025
MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has ordered the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to provide a full explanation within seven days for major discrepancies in Liberia’s forest data, warning that the sector must “return to truth, integrity, and transparency” after years of uneven governance.
By Julius Konton, Contributor
The directive was delivered Monday by Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Augustine Konneh at the opening of the National Forest Forum 2025 at the EJS Ministerial Complex.
Boakai stressed that reliable data is essential for managing resources responsibly, building credible partnerships, and securing future investments. “Accurate data is the foundation of sound policymaking, credible forest management, and meaningful international engagement,” he said.
The President highlighted a striking inconsistency in reported forest coverage. Liberia’s 2004 National Forest Inventory documented 4.3 million hectares of forest. Recent figures now list 6.6 million hectares, an unexplained increase of 2.3 million hectares. Boakai questioned the basis of the jump, demanding evidence to justify it.
“Where are these new forest areas located, and what accounts for such a dramatic change?” he asked.
Boakai noted that despite decades of international support, Liberia’s forestry sector has fallen short of expectations. He pointed to recurring illegal logging operations, weak enforcement of forest laws, and institutional lapses that have undermined community benefits and national revenue.
“We have seen repeated promises, fragmented interventions, and cycles of underperformance,” he said. “That era must end.”
The President said his administration will rebuild the sector on a foundation of accountability, sustainability, and economic benefit for Liberians. He emphasized that the forest must again serve as a pillar of national development by promoting job creation, climate resilience, and long-term environmental stability — core priorities of his ARREST Agenda.
The National Forest Forum brought together cabinet officials, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders for discussions on improving forest governance.
In his delivery of the President’s message, Dr. Konneh underscored that the administration will not tolerate misinformation or mismanagement of natural resources and expects the FDA to fully respond to the directive within the allotted period.
The FDA has not yet issued a public statement on the President’s demand.
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