Coffee Stolen from Liberia

Posted by Dave and Dennis on November 29th, 2006 at 08:50am

Authorities at the Liberia Produce Marketing Cooperation (LPMC) disclosed that coffee and cocoa are being smuggled through the borders to neighboring Guinea.

Public Relation Officer of LPMC, Shelton Gonkerwon, told reporters that Liberian farmers, especially those involved with coffee and cocoa produce, were been aided by some Guineans to trade the commodities across the borders on a daily basis.

According to Mr. Gonkerwon, the Guineans were purchasing the coffee and cocoa from the Liberian farmers on flat rate basis in Nimba County, a trend that robbed the LPMC in the past of its statutory mandate.

Besides, he noted that the Guineans were purchasing the cocoa and coffee produce on a very large scale without any regulations, thus depriving government of much-needed revenue in the post war era.

The smuggling of coffee and cocoa out of Liberia, he further pointed out, has claimed the attention of authorities at the LPMC over the months, compelling Managing Director Nyan Mattern to embark upon initiatives in curbing the very bad business practice, often encouraged by some so-called Liberians who continuously thrive on robbing the nation.

A team of LPMC employees has already been dispatched to Nimba County to conduct a thorough assessment of the issue, with the objective of sensitizing citizens on the need to avert the practice, Mr. Gonkerwon added.

Edwood Dennis

http://allafrica.com/stories/200611281266.html

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