MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has officially opened an investigation into claims of corruption and financial irregularities involving Mr. Christopher D. Sankolo, the Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA).
A letter dated May 15, 2025, and seen by this outlet, indicates that the LACC has summoned Mr. Sankolo to appear before an investigative panel to respond to allegations of public fund misuse and breaches of procurement regulations.
The letter, authored by LACC Program Manager Baba Kamara and approved by Oversight Commissioner Randolph Tabb, outlines that between April 2024 and March 2025, LACRA reportedly generated over US$1.5 million for the Liberian government. However, only US$700,000 was officially documented, leaving US$818,310 unaccounted for.
Additionally, the document accuses the LACRA leadership under Sankolo of flouting the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) by awarding contracts without observing legally mandated procedures, casting doubt on the agency’s transparency and governance.
Reports of internal unrest at LACRA have persisted for months. The situation escalated on April 29, 2025, when numerous employees staged a protest at the agency’s Freeport of Monrovia headquarters.
Dressed in their official uniforms, the workers carried placards with messages such as: “GAC Please Audit LACRA, No Way for False Impression, DG Sankolo Must Go, President Boakai, Please Save LACRA from Corrupt Vampire.”
The protesters accused Sankolo of presenting a misleading public image of the agency while neglecting the real challenges faced by staff. Workers alleged that despite increased revenue under Sankolo’s leadership, repeated promises of salary increases had not been honored.
LACRA—formerly the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC)—oversees the regulation of agricultural exports and imports, including major commodities like cocoa and coffee. Ironically, Liberia’s current President, Joseph N. Boakai, once headed the agency early in his political career, a fact highlighted by protesting workers during their demonstration.
Credible sources have confirmed that Mr. Sankolo appeared before LACC investigators on May 19, 2025. The commission is said to be handling the investigation with urgency.
The LACC has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting transparency and accountability in government and urged all parties to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference
