Monrovia, Liberia – August 2, 2025 — After years of uncertainty and more than five years of unsuccessful talks, the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has finally reclaimed its 430-acre estate in Bong County, settling one of the country’s longest-running land disputes.
The estate, originally bought in the 1970s by the now-closed Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), had been gradually taken over, shrinking from over 600 acres to its current size. Previous efforts by two former Director Generals, Dr. John Flomo and Mr. Christopher Sankolo, failed to reach an agreement with the families living on the land.
The breakthrough came under Acting Director General Dan Torkamawon Saryee, Sr., who made reclaiming LACRA’s properties a top priority when he took charge. “This is a big step forward for LACRA and Liberia’s agriculture sector,” Saryee said after the announcement. “By restoring our assets, we’re laying the groundwork for investment, growth, and new jobs in Bong County.”
The agreement was reached through intense discussions led by Director Saryee, with support from Deputy Director General for Finance Adolphus Forkpa and other LACRA officials. Bong County Land Administrator Ms. Amelia Cassell played a key role in helping both sides reach a deal.
Although smaller, the estate still includes important facilities like warehouses, guesthouses, offices, coffee and palm farms, and fish ponds. Officials say reclaiming the property will open up new chances for cocoa, coffee, and oil palm production, bringing economic benefits to local communities.
Leaders of the families involved welcomed the peaceful resolution and praised LACRA’s fair approach. “We thank Director Saryee and his team for their dedication to finding a fair and lasting solution,” said one family representative. “We look forward to working with LACRA and sharing in the benefits from new investments in our community.”
This success marks a turning point for LACRA and Liberia’s agriculture sector. Experts say it strengthens the agency’s role in managing and growing the country’s key cash crops, which are vital to rural livelihoods and exports.
LACRA, the government agency responsible for regulating, promoting, and developing Liberia’s agricultural products, has promised to invest in revitalizing the reclaimed estate while working closely with Bong County residents to ensure shared benefits.
