MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has entered a new chapter of leadership following the official reinstatement of Hon. Christopher D. Sankolo as Director General, signaling a renewed focus on institutional reform, revenue generation, and the expansion of Liberia’s agricultural commodities sector.
The formal handover ceremony, held on June 11, 2026, marked Sankolo’s return to the institution’s highest leadership position after his reinstatement by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The event also concluded the interim stewardship of Hon. Dan Saryee, who served as Acting Director General during Sankolo’s absence.
The occasion was characterized by messages of reconciliation, unity, and a shared commitment to advancing the authority’s mandate at a time when Liberia continues efforts to strengthen agricultural governance and increase the economic contribution of key export commodities.
Addressing staff and stakeholders during the ceremony, Director General Sankolo expressed gratitude to President Boakai for restoring him to office and reaffirmed his determination to resume a series of reforms and strategic initiatives that were underway before his suspension.
According to Sankolo, the authority remains positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation agenda through stronger regulation, increased revenue mobilization, and improved oversight of the nation’s commodity sector.
He emphasized that the institution must now focus on building momentum and accelerating programs designed to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and expand opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
In one of the ceremony’s most notable moments, Sankolo used his return to promote reconciliation within the institution, urging employees to put past disagreements behind them and work collectively toward achieving LACRA’s goals.
The Director General stressed that forgiveness and unity would be essential ingredients for the authority’s future success.
“I have forgiven everyone who may have hurt me, and I ask all of us to do the same,” Sankolo told employees. “As we move forward, we must remain united and focused on the important work ahead.”
His remarks were widely viewed as an effort to foster institutional healing and create a collaborative working environment following a period of uncertainty within the authority.
Sankolo also took time to acknowledge the contributions of Acting Director General Dan Saryee, praising his leadership and stewardship during the transition period.
Rather than portraying the leadership change as a break from previous efforts, Sankolo highlighted several initiatives implemented during Saryee’s tenure and indicated that those achievements would form part of the foundation upon which the institution will continue to build.
Among the accomplishments recognized were improvements in internet connectivity and progress on oil palm regulatory initiatives—projects Sankolo noted were already part of the authority’s strategic agenda before his suspension.
He commended Saryee for ensuring that critical institutional programs continued moving forward and pledged to strengthen and expand those efforts.
“Honorable Saryee deserves recognition for the work carried out during his tenure,” Sankolo said. “Several of the projects implemented were aligned with initiatives we had envisioned, and we are pleased that progress continued for the benefit of the institution.”
Looking ahead, the reinstated Director General painted an ambitious vision for LACRA’s future, encouraging staff members to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and prepare for a period of growth and expansion.
He expressed confidence that the authority is poised to increase its impact within Liberia’s agricultural sector and strengthen its role in regulating key commodities that contribute significantly to the national economy.
According to Sankolo, the institution’s next phase will focus on enhancing operational effectiveness, improving service delivery, and creating stronger systems capable of supporting sustainable growth across the agricultural sector.
He challenged employees to embrace innovation, professionalism, and teamwork as LACRA works toward achieving broader national development objectives.
For his part, outgoing Acting Director General Dan Saryee expressed appreciation to President Boakai for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the authority during a critical transition period.
Saryee thanked staff members for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure and pledged his continued commitment to the institution’s success.
He also extended his best wishes to Sankolo as he resumes leadership of the authority and assumes responsibility for guiding its future direction.
The peaceful transfer of leadership was widely viewed by participants as a positive demonstration of institutional stability and continuity, reinforcing confidence in LACRA’s ability to pursue its mandate despite leadership changes.
Observers note that the authority occupies a strategic position within Liberia’s agricultural economy, serving as the principal regulator for several important commodity sectors that generate export earnings, support rural livelihoods, and contribute to national revenue.
As Liberia seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen agricultural production, expectations remain high that LACRA will play an increasingly important role in improving regulatory standards, promoting value addition, attracting investment, and supporting farmers and commodity producers across the country.
The ceremony concluded on a hopeful and optimistic note, with employees expressing support for the institution’s renewed direction and leadership.
With Sankolo back at the helm, attention now turns to how quickly the authority can advance its reform agenda, strengthen operational performance, and capitalize on emerging opportunities within Liberia’s agricultural commodities sector.
For many stakeholders, the reinstatement represents more than a leadership change—it signals the beginning of a renewed effort to position LACRA as a stronger, more effective institution capable of driving growth, accountability, and innovation in one of Liberia’s most vital economic sectors.
