Liberians No Longer Spectators in their Own Economy -Pres. Weah Hails Development at Cocopa Rubber Plantation

Extending his two weeks nationwide tour to Cocopa, Nimba County Wednesday, President George M. Weah has hailed the leadership of the Cocopa Rubber Plantation, for taking the Liberian economy into their hands, thus shattering the stereotype that citizens of this country will always remain spectators in their own economy.

Making the assertions yesterday Wednesday when he arrived in Cocopa where he toured facilities of the Cocopa Rubber Plantation that is being successfully managed by the Nimba Rubber Incorporated (NRI), President Weah expressed hearty satisfaction over the landmark development of the Liberian-managed multi-million dollar rubber company, saying, “Liberians are no longer spectators in their own economy.”

President Weah praised the NRI leadership for taking charge of the Liberian economy through the agriculture sector, and encouraged other Liberians to follow the good example of the Harrison Karnwea-led management team at Cocopa Rubber Plantation.

The Liberian leader further encouraged other Liberian entrepreneurs to venture into the agriculture sector and invest in their own economy. President Weah especially thanked Mr. Karnwea as well as the Nimba Legislative Caucus, for the development in Cocopa.

As can be recalled, the Liberian House of Representatives on May 9, 2019 concurred with the Liberian Senate in rectifying a concession agreement that grants a 20-year Investment Package to the Nimba Rubber Incorporated (NRI) to run the Cocopa Rubber Plantation.

According to the initial agreement, NRI would invest $19.9 Million US Dollars on replacing the infrastructure as well as replanting and restructuring the entire farm. The company was expected to have revamped the educational, health and recreational facilities of the plantation.

NRI, headed by Mr. Harrison Karnwea, had been running the farm as a caretaker entity for a couple of years prior to the awarding of the new agreement.

President Weah’s tour of the Cocopa Rubber Plantation is part of a two-week nationwide tour which kicked off last Friday in Bong County with the launch of the Agriculture Trade Fair, showcasing made-in-Liberia produce and celebrating Liberian entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector.

From Bong County and now Nimba County, President Weah has been tumultuously received with rousing jubilations, as citizens lined the streets chanting: “George Weah! George Weah! Gbekugheh! Gbekugbeh! Bad Road Medicine”, among other praisesPresident Weah who arrived in Tappita last evening departs Nimba County today for Grand Gedeh County and is expected to receive a similarly tumultuous welcome Friday when he and his entourage arrive in the County.