In a dramatic public statement following his suspension, the Director-General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher D. Sankolo, urged supporters not to grieve, declaring that “God Almighty is in total control.”
Sankolo’s message came hours after President Joseph Boakai on Thursday, June 26, suspended both Sankolo and his deputy over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities.
“The first suspension that got 99% of the workforce crying bitterly. Don’t cry for me please. God Almighty is in total control,” Sankolo said, referencing what he described as an overwhelming emotional response from staff.
The President’s action follows a series of troubling revelations regarding the management of LACRA. On June 9, Verity News published excerpts from a leaked letter addressed to Cllr. Alexandria Korma Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The letter outlined alleged discrepancies in revenue reporting, questionable expenditures, and suspected violations of procurement procedures during Sankolo’s brief tenure.
According to documents seen by this paper, Sankolo and his management team officially took over leadership of LACRA on March 28, 2024, in a turnover process facilitated by Human Resources Officer Mr. Jackson K. Miller.
LACRA, which was established in 2014 to replace the former Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), is mandated to regulate Liberia’s agricultural commodity trade, playing a key role in ensuring fair and transparent transactions in the sector.
As the nation awaits the outcome, Sankolo’s suspension marks one of the most high-profile disciplinary actions taken under the Boakai administration, and the first to reportedly provoke such an emotional reaction from staff.
Honorable Dan Torkamawon Saryee, Sr. has been designated as Interim Director-General of LACRA, while Honorable Adolphus Forkpa will serve as Interim Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance.
