MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Minister of Labor, Cllr Cooper Kruah, has expressed optimism over the ongoing negotiation of the concession agreement between the Management of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) and the Government of Liberia.
Minister Kruah said,” The move will lead to greater empowerment of Liberian professionals”.
He emphasized that empowering Liberians to assume leadership roles will not only reduce the company’s expenditure on foreign expertise but also ensure continuity and local ownership of LAC’s operations after the eventual departure of expatriate managers.
The Labor Minister made the remarks when a high-level delegation paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The visit aimed at briefing the Minister on the progress of LAC’s ongoing investment portfolio renegotiations with the Government of Liberia.
Minister Kruah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a business environment that encourages investments, while empowering Liberians in line with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The Labor Minister urged LAC Management to prioritize the recruitment and promotion of female employees, noting that gender equality remains a key pillar for national growth and inclusive development.
At the same time, Minister Kruah has called on LAC to develop a modernized model of worker transportation between plantation stations to ease the physical strains currently experienced by employees.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with LAC in promoting decent work standards across its operations.
Highlighting several initiatives under his administration, Minister Kruah named the launch of the Occupational Health and Safety program and the Liberia Works Platform, designed to protect workers’ welfare and assist job seekers in making informed career choices.
The Minister further informed the visiting delegation of the Ministry’s recent adjustment in annual Alien Work Permit fees intended to ensure fairness and alignment with regional standards.
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah disclosed plans to resume his nationwide assessment tour of major investment and business entities, beginning with LAC in Grand Bassa County in the coming days.
Speaking earlier, the General Manager of LAC and Head of Agronomy, Regis Helsmoortel, assured the Minister of the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Liberian employees.
Helsmoortel encouraged Liberian staff to take advantage of the opportunities being created.