GBARNGA, Bong County – A new chapter appears to be unfolding at the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) as Director General Christopher D. Sankolo and Deputy Director for Operations and Technical Services Godia Alpha Gongolee have reconciled their differences.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The reconciliation took place over the weekend during an official visit by Sankolo to coffee nursery and seedling sites in Gbarnga, Bong County, where the two senior officials held extensive discussions on the future of Liberia’s coffee sector and the broader mandate of LACRA.
The reconciliation comes only days after President Joseph Boakai reinstated Sankolo as Director General of LACRA following the conclusion of investigations conducted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
In June 2025, President Boakai suspended Sankolo to allow authorities to investigate allegations of corruption that had generated public attention and raised questions about governance at the institution. At the time, the Executive Mansion emphasized that the suspension was intended to facilitate an impartial investigation and should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt.
The suspension sparked widespread debate across the country, particularly because it came at a time when LACRA was being recognized as one of the government’s most active and reform-oriented agencies.
Prior to Sankolo’s suspension, relations between him and Gongolee had reportedly become strained, creating tensions within the institution and contributing to a challenging working environment for employees.
FrontPage Africa gathered that disagreements over administrative decisions, operational priorities, and institutional direction had occasionally led to friction between the two senior officials. The resulting atmosphere reportedly affected staff morale and fuelled public speculation about divisions within the agency’s leadership.
However, both men have now indicated that they are committed to turning the page and prioritizing the interests of LACRA above personal differences.
That commitment was on full display during Sankolo’s visit to the coffee nursery sites in Bong County. The two officials engaged openly throughout the tour, exchanging ideas on coffee expansion, farmer support programs, and investment opportunities.
Their interaction culminated in a symbolic face-to-face meeting during which they publicly reconciled and pledged to work together in the interest of the institution. The moment was welcomed by employees, agricultural stakeholders, and development partners who viewed it as an important step toward restoring unity within LACRA’s leadership.
Speaking during the visit, Sankolo stressed that reconciliation was necessary to ensure that LACRA remains focused on its core responsibilities rather than internal disagreements.
“We have a responsibility to the Liberian people, to our farmers, and to the future of this institution. Whatever differences may have existed in the past must now give way to cooperation and mutual respect. The work ahead of us is too important to allow personal disagreements to distract us from our national mission,” Sankolo said.
The LACRA Director General emphasized that his reinstatement should serve as an opportunity for institutional renewal rather than division.
“I returned to office with no intention of revisiting old disputes. My focus is on strengthening LACRA, supporting our hardworking staff, and delivering tangible results for farmers across Liberia. Reconciliation is not a sign of weakness. It is a demonstration of maturity and leadership,” he stated.
Sankolo further noted that the agricultural sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth and job creation, making collaboration among senior officials essential.
“Every member of the LACRA family has a role to play in achieving our objectives. We cannot attract major investors, expand commodity production, or improve farmers’ livelihoods if we remain divided. Unity is the foundation upon which progress is built.”
He added that the institution’s future success would depend on collective leadership and shared accountability. “The challenges confronting Liberia’s agricultural sector require teamwork and innovation. We have chosen to move forward together because the future of LACRA is bigger than any individual. Our energy must now be directed toward creating opportunities for farmers and building a stronger agricultural economy.”
For his part, Gongolee welcomed the reconciliation and described it as a necessary step toward advancing the agency’s mandate.
According to Gongolee, both leaders recognized that continued division would only undermine efforts to serve farmers and promote agricultural development.
“LACRA’s mission is far greater than any misunderstanding that may have existed between individuals. We have agreed to focus on the future because the people who depend on this institution deserve leadership that is united, focused, and committed to results,” Gongolee said.
He stressed that reconciliation would strengthen internal coordination and improve the agency’s ability to implement development programs nationwide.
“Our farmers expect us to provide leadership and support. They expect us to help increase production, improve market access, and attract investment. Those expectations can only be met when the institution speaks with one voice and works toward common objectives.”
Gongolee also expressed optimism about the direction of the agency under its renewed leadership arrangement.
“This reconciliation sends a powerful message that institutional interests must always come first. We have chosen collaboration over conflict because that is what the future of Liberia’s agricultural sector requires.”
Gongolee said the agency is entering a new phase of cooperation and growth. “The past should serve as a lesson rather than a permanent obstacle. What matters now is our ability to work together, support one another, and ensure that LACRA fulfills its mandate to the Liberian people.”
Beyond the reconciliation, the visit also highlighted ambitious plans for expanding Liberia’s coffee sector. Sankolo praised LACRA staff and development partners for their efforts in establishing coffee nurseries aimed at increasing production throughout the country.
He disclosed that the agency is pursuing amendments to its enabling legislation to strengthen its mandate and improve its ability to attract international investment. According to Sankolo, discussions with lawmakers have been encouraging and could result in the rapid consideration of proposed reforms.
Meanwhile, Gongolee announced plans to distribute coffee seedlings to farmers across Liberia as part of efforts to boost production and improve household incomes. He said the initiative will be accompanied by technical assistance, farmer training, and other support programs designed to strengthen agricultural commodity value chains.
