Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, or LACRA, is enhancing the capacity of its inspectors to better enforce agricultural commodity standards and regulations across the country.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributor)
Monrovia, Liberia, November 8, 2024—The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has successfully concluded its second refresher workshop designed to improve the skills and knowledge of its inspectors. The exercise focuses on enhancing inspectors’ competency to ensure better enforcement of agricultural commodity standards and regulations.
Through this initiative, LACRA aims to strengthen its capacity to monitor and regulate agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to improved quality and safety of agricultural products in Liberia.
The training provided an in-depth review of LACRA’s policies and operational guidelines, highlighting the crucial role of inspectors in ensuring product quality. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to detailed explanation of LACRA’s comprehensive policy document, which spans over thirty pages.
The document was carefully read and thoroughly discussed, allowing inspectors better to understand the intricacies of the agency’s regulatory framework. The emphasis on policy comprehension aims to equip participants with the knowledge needed to uphold quality standards and effectively implement regulations in the agricultural sector.
This review was designed to give participants a deeper understanding of LACRA’s regulatory framework, empowering them to uphold quality control standards in alignment with the authority’s requirements.
By thoroughly examining policies and operational guidelines, the workshop sought to enhance inspectors’ ability to enforce regulations effectively, ensuring that agricultural commodities meet the established quality standards and contribute to the overall integrity of the sector.
Held Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at LACRA’s headquarters at the Freeport of Monrovia, Bushrod Island, the one-day session underscored the authority’s commitment to maintaining high standards within Liberia’s cocoa and coffee sectors.
The workshop focused on strengthening inspectors’ regulatory capacity and reinforced LACRA’s role in ensuring the continued quality and competitiveness of these vital agricultural industries. Through such initiatives, LACRA aims to safeguard product standards and support sustainable growth in Liberia’s agricultural commodity market.
In opening remarks, Godia Alpha Gonegolee, LACRA’s Deputy Director General for Operations and Technical Services, expressed optimism about the positive impact of recent staffing increases.
He noted that adding skilled personnel would enhance LACRA’s ability to effectively monitor and enforce quality control in Liberia’s agricultural sector, particularly in cocoa and coffee. Gonegolee emphasized that this expansion would not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen the agency’s capacity to meet its regulatory objectives and support the growth of the country’s agricultural industry.
“Before the new leadership took over, there was a limited workforce, but the additional staff has brought much-needed relief to LACRA’s operations,” Gonegolee emphasized that this staffing boost has significantly enhanced the authority’s ability to carry out its regulatory duties.
He also stressed the importance of understanding LACRA’s chain of command. He noted that a clear organizational structure is essential for effective communication, decision-making, and the smooth execution of the authority’s responsibilities in overseeing Liberia’s agricultural commodity sectors.
The gathering brought together inspectors and Quality Assurance Officers from various warehouses across Montserrado County. Key facilitators included Mr. Victor Adonija, Senior Inspector; Dominick Moniba, Quality Control Supervisor; and Lans W. Kamara, Operations Director.
Each facilitator contributed valuable insights on implementing best practices, focusing on the practical aspects of their roles. They also addressed specific challenges faced in the field, offering strategies to overcome common issues and improve overall efficiency in maintaining quality control and regulatory compliance within the agricultural sector.
100 inspectors and Quality Assurance Officers from various locations within Montserrado County were in attendance. This diverse group had the opportunity to engage in detailed discussions and gain hands-on knowledge from the expert facilitators, enhancing their skills and understanding of LACRA’s regulatory framework.
The large turnout reflected the growing commitment to strengthening the capacity of personnel responsible for ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance across the region.
Participants commended LACRA’s leadership for organizing the workshop and expressed gratitude for the clearer operational framework and strengthened quality standards now in place.
They acknowledged that the session provided valuable tools and a deeper understanding of their roles in maintaining high standards within Liberia’s agricultural sectors.
As the regulatory authority overseeing cocoa and coffee production, LACRA plays a vital role in supporting Liberia’s agricultural sector by enhancing quality control and operational efficiency within the cocoa sector.
Through continuous workshops and training initiatives, LACRA aims to empower its workforce and ensure that inspectors and Quality Assurance Officers are equipped to handle emerging challenges.
Ultimately, these efforts advance Liberia’s cocoa and coffee industries, reinforcing LACRA’s commitment to excellence in commodity management, fostering sustainable growth, and positioning Liberia as a competitive player in the global market. Editing by Jonathan Browne
