MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Executive Mansion has announced the setting up of a multi-agency investigative committee to probe controversy over the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber.

According to an Executive Mansion release issued over the weekend, President Joseph Boakai constituted the five-man Committee on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Members of the Committee are Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah, Chairman, Commerce Minister, Amin Modad, Justice Minister, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, National Investment Commission Chairman, Jeff Blibo, and Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Sahr Johnny as members.

The release also quotes the President as attaching urgency to the process and urging the Committee to provide a detailed report upon the completion of the investigation.

In 2023, former President George Weah issued Executive Order 124, imposing a moratorium on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber from Liberia.

Meanwhile, a Consortium of Rubber Sector Actors in Liberia (CORSAL) has lauded the House of Representatives for the steps taken against the Executive Order 124 ban on the exportation of unprocessed rubber.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, April 5, 2024, in Monrovia, the Chairman of the Group, James Sayekea, described the decision by the House of Representatives as a milestone representation in the interest of ordinary farmers in Liberia.

Mr. Sayekea said:” The move is also in line with the Liberian Government’s ARREST Agenda that seeks to lift Liberians out of poverty.

He lauded Senators Albert Chie, Johnny Kpehe, Gberzorhgar Findley, and Joseph Jallah, among others, for their tireless efforts shown in the interest of lifting the ban.

Meanwhile, the Consortium of Rubber Sector Actors in Liberia has canceled its planned protest on Monday, April 8, 2024.

By: Joseph Koon/Vasta Tarlue