CSO Marvels over Spiraled Progress at LACRA -Says Acting DG Saryee’s Placement Becoming Game-Changer

MONROVIA – While the age-old Liberian bureaucratic system is replete with a huge directory of public servants who regard public service a lottery to instant opulence, there are a few Liberians who entered the governance space with a sense of passion, integrity, exuberance and excellence to duty. Counting a few ushered into the Boakai administration would also be longtime non-state icon Dan T. Saryee whose less-than-two-month acting Director Generalship at the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) is turning a formerly moribund institution into a vibrant, forward-looking enterprise. As The Analyst reports, a Liberian civil society group has keenly been following what it terms as “the game-changing odyssey” of the acting LACRA DG.        

The Progressive National Farmers Caucus (PNAFCA), a leading advocate for transparency and accountability in Liberia’s agricultural sector, commends acting Director General Dan T. Saryee of the Liberia Agriculture Regulatory Authority (LACRA) for his bold and swift reform initiatives.

In just one month in office, Director General Saryee has demonstrated unwavering commitment to transforming LACRA and revitalizing the cocoa and coffee industries, not only putting smiles on the faces of Liberian farmers but also giving unfeigned meaning and effect to President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

“We are heartened by the Director General’s resolve to undertaking critical reforms that promise a brighter future for a formerly moribund organization and making its statutory mandate come out of the shell of complacency, and lack of innovation,” the said the civil society group in a statement.

PNAFCA takes note of Mr. Saryee’s intentional proactive approach to resolving the impending European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) announcement, which threatened to reject Liberian cocoa and coffee by December, “a significant step towards ensuring our products remain competitive in the global market”.

The group said it is assured by outreach initiatives being undertaken by the Saryee administration, including engaging international partners such as the European Union, to clear all bottlenecks in the way of Liberia, particularly farmers, to meet the deadline.

PNAFCA says it has learned that for the first time, there would be farm mapping and profiling for data-driven decision-making, improved service delivery, enhanced transparency and accountability and enhanced efficiency in the sector.

“We take delight in novel strategy by the Saryee management, however acting, which amongst other things are intended to help track production, sales, and revenue, reducing he risks of exploitation and ensuring fair prices for farmer,” the civil society organization further noted, adding: “We are also happy to see that the new management’s moves are encouraging farmers pursue environmentally friendly and social responsible practices.”

“These are the kinds of policy actions international partners seek to develop confidence and trust in Liberian partners,” the group stated, further praising the acting LACRA administration’s demonstrated interest in decentralization of the institution, as evidenced by the recent re-activation of regional offices geared at enhancing service delivery, promoting local participation, and fostering a more effective management of the cocoa and coffee sectors.

Said the civil society group: “We are pleased to gather that rural infrastructure and assets are being dusted off and revamped, including offices in Bong, Nimba and Lofa, and that disputes over the property in Bong have amicably resettled by the Saryee-headed administration.

“For the first time, internet connectivity is reporting returning to the head office of the institution in appreciation of the fact that it stands in the ecosystem where innovation, stakeholder engagement and growth are tied to digital communication and linkages,” the farmers monitoring organization said. 

According to PNAFCA the acting LACRA Director General’s commitment to aggressive and meaningful engagements with stakeholders, including international partners such as the European Union office in Liberia, farmers, traders, and civil society organizations, is crucial for building trust and ensuring that the interests of all sector actors.

The group also expressed gratitude to the acting management of LACRA for its digitalization efforts, including digitizing of fiscal and payroll systems will enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and improve resource allocation.

“Investing in capacity building for LACRA staff and stakeholders will equip them with the necessary skills to drive the sector’s growth and development,” said PNAFCA further. “We are very sure that the pending development of a five-year strategic plan by the Saryee administration will crown all innovation with a roadmap for LACRA’s growth and development, ensuring alignment with national priorities, including President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

The civil society group said it was amply pleased that acting Director General Saryee’s spiraled reforms align perfectly with the AAID’s objectives, particularly in promoting inclusive development, transparency, and accountability.

“We are confident that his leadership will contribute significantly to the growth and development of Liberia’s cocoa and coffee sectors, ultimately benefiting farmers, traders, and the broader economy,” said PNAFCA further, urging acting Director General Saryee to sustain the current momentum, and ensure that the reforms are institutionalized to yield tangible benefits for the sector.

“We also call on all stakeholders to support LACRA’s efforts, working together to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Liberia’s cocoa and coffee industries.”

PNAFCA commends Director General Dan T. Saryee for his visionary leadership and commitment to reforming LACRA.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and progress in the months ahead,” the group’s statement concluded.