MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has begun examining concerns surrounding the growing rubber trade sector amid increasing calls for stronger oversight of buyers operating across the country’s major rubber-producing regions.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The discussion emerged following a communication from Grand Bassa County District 5 Representative Thomas A. Goshua, who raised concerns about the activities of local and foreign rubber purchasers and the potential impact their operations could have on government revenue, concession agreements, and the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
Another major issue discussed during the hearing centered on employment and industrial sustainability. Officials noted that processing facilities and concessionaires operating legally provide jobs and contribute significantly to local economies. Legislators expressed concerns that unchecked market practices could potentially disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for businesses that have made substantial investments in the sector.
Several members of the House emphasized the need for balanced policies that support competition without weakening regulatory safeguards. They acknowledged that farmers deserve access to multiple buyers capable of offering competitive prices while also recognizing the government’s responsibility to ensure tax collection, quality control, and compliance with national standards.
Appearing before lawmakers on Thursday, Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) Director General Christopher D. Sankolo outlined the agency’s position on the matter, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that encourages investment while ensuring compliance with national laws governing agricultural commodity transactions.
According to Sankolo, Liberia’s rubber sector remains one of the country’s most important agricultural industries and requires careful management to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly among farmers, processors, exporters, and the government.
He noted that while increased participation by buyers has created new opportunities for producers, the absence of effective monitoring mechanisms could expose the sector to abuse and financial losses.
“The future of Liberia’s rubber industry depends on transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law. Every participant in the market must operate under the same rules if we are serious about protecting farmers and strengthening the economy,” Sankolo told lawmakers.
The LACRA Director General further warned that failure to regulate commodity transactions adequately could create unfair advantages for operators who choose to bypass established procedures. He stressed that responsible businesses that comply with regulations should not be placed at a disadvantage against competitors who avoid taxes, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations.
“We cannot build a sustainable agricultural economy where some actors shoulder regulatory responsibilities while others benefit from operating outside the legal framework. Such an arrangement ultimately hurts producers, government institutions, and legitimate investors,” he said.
During the hearing, lawmakers examined reports suggesting that some buyers have expanded operations in rural communities without fully complying with existing regulatory requirements. Concerns were also raised about commodity traceability, the accuracy of weighing systems used during purchases, and the need for improved data collection throughout the rubber value chain.
Sankolo informed the House that LACRA has been engaging stakeholders across the sector, including farmers’ organizations, processors, exporters, and concession operators, to identify practical solutions that promote both market access and regulatory compliance. He said the Authority remains committed to ensuring that farmers continue to benefit from competitive pricing while maintaining order within the industry.
Sankolo emphasized that Liberia’s agricultural future depends heavily on the country’s ability to modernize commodity governance systems. He noted that the government must develop stronger mechanisms for tracking production volumes, exports, and transactions to ensure that policymakers have accurate information for economic planning and revenue forecasting.
He further explained that increasing global demand for natural rubber presents significant opportunities for Liberian farmers, but warned that those opportunities could be undermined if regulatory institutions are unable to monitor market activities effectively. According to him, investor confidence and long-term sector growth depend largely on the existence of clear rules that are consistently enforced throughout the country.
“The objective is not to discourage participation in the market. Our responsibility is to create a system where every buyer, processor, and exporter can compete fairly while meeting the obligations established under Liberian law. That is the only way to guarantee lasting benefits for rural communities,” Sankolo stated.
