MONROVIA — Zeno Industries Incorporated has lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for reinstating the Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher D. Sankolo, following months of investigations that culminated in his exoneration by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
Sankolo was suspended on June 26, 2025, to allow for investigations into allegations of corruption. At the time, the Executive Mansion clarified that the suspension was administrative in nature and intended to ensure a transparent investigative process.
The suspension generated public debate, particularly because President Boakai had a week ago recognized LACRA as one of Liberia’s top-performing government institutions under the Performance Management and Compliance System during Sankolo’s leadership.
Following months of investigations, the LACC on January 15, 2026, cleared Sankolo of all corruption allegations, effectively bringing the matter to a close and paving the way for his return to office.
Speaking on behalf of Zeno Industries, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Rita Zeno, welcomed the President’s decision, describing it as a demonstration of fairness, due process, and confidence in public institutions.
“We commend President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for allowing the rule of law and due process to prevail throughout this matter. The reinstatement of Mr. Christopher Sankolo sends a strong message that public officials should be judged based on facts and evidence rather than speculation. It is a decision that reinforces confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability,” she said.
According to Rita, Sankolo’s reinstatement reflects the integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions and demonstrates that investigative processes can function independently without political interference.
“The outcome of this process should encourage all Liberians to continue believing in our institutions. Sankolo endured months of scrutiny, yet he remained committed to cooperating with investigators. His clearance by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and subsequent reinstatement represent an important victory for fairness, transparency, and good governance,” she stated.
Rita further noted that LACRA has played a critical role in strengthening Liberia’s agricultural commodity sector and ensuring that farmers benefit from improved standards and market access.
“Sankolo’s leadership at LACRA has contributed significantly to the advancement of Liberia’s cocoa and coffee industries. His return provides continuity to important reforms that are helping farmers, exporters, and investors build confidence in Liberia’s agricultural future. We believe his experience and commitment will continue to benefit the sector,” Rita added.
He continued, “President Boakai deserves recognition for demonstrating patience and leadership throughout this process. Rather than rushing to judgment, he allowed the appropriate institutions to conduct their work. That decision has now been validated by the findings of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, which cleared Mr. Sankolo of all allegations.”
Rita emphasized that the reinstatement should serve as a lesson on the importance of protecting the rights of public officials while maintaining accountability.
“This case illustrates why due process remains essential in any democracy. Allegations must always be investigated thoroughly, but individuals must also be given a fair opportunity to defend themselves. The eventual outcome reinforces the principle that justice is best served when facts, evidence, and transparency guide decision-making.”
Established in 1981 and proudly Liberian-owned, Zeno Industries resumed operations in 2022 after years of disruption caused by the civil conflict. Since then, the company has emerged as one of Liberia’s leading social impact investors, helping transform the cocoa and coffee sectors through sustainable agricultural practices, farmer empowerment initiatives, and innovative traceability systems.
Today, the company employs approximately 450 workers and works directly with more than 12,234 local farmers through its advanced traceability and European Union Deforestation Regulation-compliant system. The initiative has helped strengthen transparency, improve product quality, and create economic opportunities for thousands of rural households across Liberia.
Rita described job creation as one of the company’s most important priorities, noting that Zeno Industries remains committed to creating opportunities for Liberians, particularly women and vulnerable groups.
“Every job we create represents a family empowered, a community strengthened, and a future secured. Our mission extends beyond buying cocoa and coffee. We are committed to building sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that Liberians benefit directly from the growth of our agricultural sector.”
He added, “At Zeno Industries Incorporated, we believe agriculture should be a pathway to prosperity for ordinary Liberians. Through our investments, training programs, and partnerships with farmers, we are helping thousands of families improve their incomes while contributing to national economic development.”
According to Rita, the company is also working aggressively toward achieving full organic certification, a move he believes will position Liberia’s agricultural products more competitively on the international market.
“Our pursuit of organic certification reflects our commitment to excellence and global standards. We want Liberian cocoa and coffee to compete successfully with the best products anywhere in the world. Achieving this goal will create additional opportunities for farmers while increasing Liberia’s reputation as a producer of high-quality agricultural commodities.”
She further highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering women, noting that approximately 90 percent of its workforce consists of vulnerable women.
“We are particularly proud that the majority of our workforce comprises women who are rebuilding their lives through meaningful employment. Economic empowerment for women creates stronger families, healthier communities, and a more resilient national economy. Their success is our success.”
Rita also praised the company’s digital traceability partnership, which enables international buyers to verify the origin and sustainability of Liberian agricultural products.
“Our traceability system is helping establish trust with international markets by ensuring transparency from farm to export. This innovation not only benefits buyers but also protects farmers by creating a reliable and accountable supply chain that meets global requirements.”
