Published: April 30, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has rejected what it described as “coordinated propaganda” and misleading media reports allegedly linked to its suspended Deputy Director General for Operations and Technical Services, Alpha Gongolee.
In a press statement issued April 30, LACRA said recent claims circulating in the media form part of a smear campaign targeting Acting Director General Dan Saryee, following Gongolee’s suspension by the institution’s Board of Directors.
Suspension Tied to Alleged Cocoa Royalty Deal
According to LACRA, the decision to suspend Gongolee stems from allegations that he illegally collected royalties from a third party linked to cocoa shipments—actions the authority said bypassed established procedures and transparency protocols.
“Regarding allegations of nepotism and administrative or financial malpractices, LACRA maintains that these claims are entirely baseless and intended to distract from the ongoing investigation into Mr. Gongolee’s conduct,” the statement noted.
The authority further accused Gongolee of attempting to evade scrutiny by taking to the media rather than cooperating with internal processes.
Management Rejects Allegations, Signals Firm Stance
LACRA management said it will not engage what it described as unfounded accusations, stressing its focus remains on institutional integrity and regulatory enforcement.
“We will not dignify these desperate allegations,” the management stated.
The authority added that reforms aimed at tightening oversight in the sector are beginning to expose long-standing loopholes, prompting resistance from individuals who previously operated outside the law.
Strategic Reforms Target Compliance and Sector Growth
Despite the controversy, LACRA reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, with key priorities centered on strengthening regulation and improving agricultural commodity value chains.
Among the major initiatives highlighted is compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aimed at ensuring Liberian cocoa and coffee meet international traceability and sustainability standards to maintain access to global markets.
The authority also pointed to ongoing efforts to regulate and enhance the oil palm sector, alongside nationwide farmer training programs focused on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including post-harvest handling, fermentation and proper storage.
Nationwide Inspections to Enforce Standards
LACRA disclosed plans to deploy specialized inspection teams across the country to monitor compliance at farm gates and ensure quality standards are upheld.
“We are also dispatching a specialized team of inspectors and quality control officers to various farm gates across the country to ensure standards are met,” the management revealed. “LACRA assures the public, our international partners, and most importantly, the farmers of Liberia, that our focus remains on improving the living conditions of those at the farmgate and sanitizing the agricultural commodity sector.”
Focus Remains on Sector Integrity
As investigations into Gongolee’s alleged actions continue, LACRA says it remains committed to transparency, accountability and reform in Liberia’s agricultural commodity sector.
Officials insist that ongoing measures are designed not only to strengthen oversight but also to ensure long-term benefits for farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.
Discussion about this post