LACRA Boss Highlights Smuggling As Key Factor Hampering Cocoa Production

By Fanta L. Keita

MONROVIA, Nov. 5 (LINA) – The Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher D. Sankolo, has recognized smuggling as a key factor that is hampering the cocoa production across the Country.

Sankolo made the disclosure on Wednesday October 30, 2024, when the Ghanaian Ambassador accredited to Liberia Kingsford Amoako paid him a courtesy visit at his LACRA office.

According to him, “smuggling is a major challenge affecting cocoa production in Liberia which is attributed to the bad road network in the counties.

He added that due to the road challenges, more of the produce, especially Cocoa is transported to neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone and Guinea, stating that they wished to have a collaboration with Ghana to aid in the strengthening of cocoa production within both countries.

However, LACRA boss explained that the government is exerting all efforts to connect these producing counties with roads, disclosing that in the coming year, the situation will change for the better, especially in Lofa County.

Sankolo informed Ambassador Amoako that President Boakai has special interest in ensuring that the quality of the country’s cocoa is improved while farmers reap their benefits.

He continued that the President once served the position that he is currently holding, citing, “so, our task is huge and that is why we are working tirelessly to improve the cocoa and coffee sector in Liberia.’’

For his part, the Ghanaian Ambassador outlined the long historical ties between Liberia and Ghana, emphasizing the need for more collaboration between both countries in fostering growth in the cocoa sector.

He stressed the need for partners or donors involved with manufacturing cocoa to get involved with chocolate production locally to double-up their efforts.

“Some of these packaging should be displayed at various airports for people to believe that Africa is not just good at exporting raw material but can also do manufacturing,” Amb. Amoako noted.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment in deepening cooperation in addressing critical issues surrounding cocoa production, adding that his government is open to receiving any collaboration in mutual cooperation.

The meeting between the LACRA boss and the Ghanaian envoy was centered on bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Liberia in relations to cocoa production.