The Governance Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism on Yesterday October 14,2025 held a one-day policy dialogue at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex aimed at bringing the tourism sector to light. The dialogue was held under the theme: A Review of Liberia’s Tourism Sector for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development.
Speaking at the occasion, Governance Commission Acting Chairman Alaric K. Tokpa said the tourism assets of Liberia are diverse and profound. He added that these include lakes, islands, waterfalls, animals, birds, and pristine forests. “These are not just destinations, they are invitations. Invitations to explore; invitations to connect; and invitations to believe. They offer more than leisure; they offer legacy. They remind us that tourism, when properly nurtured with care and vision, can be a catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.”
He reminded the public to look back and recall that earlier this month, the Governance Commission hosted a high-level delegation from the office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. According to him, during that visit, the delegation from Sierra Leone was escorted to the National Museum, the Centennial Pavilion, and the Providence Island. “On this site seen escort, we took a tour of imagination into the rich cultural history and civilization of Liberia.”
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According to him, the Governance Commission is leading the revival of the writing of the national history project in Liberia. He added, “When the history of tourism shall have been written, it will be recorded that tourism is important for the creation of jobs and the promotion of national development. This is what our panel of experts are here to explore and illuminate today.”
Giving an overview of the occasion, Commissioner Sianeh Sackie, Acting Vice Chair for Oversight on Public Sector Reform Mandate Area said the Governance Commission embarked on this ambitious journey a few years ago to study the tourism sector of Liberia with the intent to revive the industry on a platform of reform, sectoral growth, and national development. He noted, “We commenced this journey by engaging several stakeholders and actors to ensure that we produce the best outcomes as in contemporary societies.”
The Acting Vice Chair disclosed that they soon realized that the existing structure needed strengthening and regulatory leadership. “Through a reform initiative led by the GC, we proposed that the Departments of Culture and Tourism at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism be extracted from the Ministry and be established into an independent body that would govern the tourism industry of Liberia,” Sackie said.
She recalled that these efforts were supported by then President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who saw the importance of tourism and its economic benefits for Liberia. She added, “In 2014, the GC drafted a Bill for the proposed Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) which was a landmark effort of the GC in collaboration with MICAT. “Even though the LNTA was not established then; however, consultations continued with various actors to build a consensus for its establishment.”
“As you may be aware, tourism is an important element of the National Development Plan-the ARREST Agenda. This is why President Joseph Nyuma Boakai demonstrated his commitment by signing into law the Act establishing the Liberia National Tourism Authority, and subsequently appointing officials to lead the entity. This gives the GC the impetus to bring key stakeholders around the table to discuss strategies and plans on developing the Sector,” Madam Sackie added.
She concluded that yesterday’s dialogue which focuses on, “The Review of Liberia’s Tourism Sector for Sustained Economic Growth & Development,” brought together officials of government, private sector players and actors, the tourism industry, development partners and friendly countries to identify potentials for growth and discuss opportunities and challenges that actors in the tourism sector face.
Paramount to this discussion include what the government and actors can do to remove the challenges and or barriers for further enhancement of tourism in Liberia. Additionally, there will be presentations from the government, the private sector and a panel discussion to bring out various issues as well as interactive discussions from across the room.
Macdella Cooper, Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai making remarks during the ceremony, said tourism, when strategically developed, not only boost national income, but also enhances our image as a peaceful, welcoming, and culturally rich destination.
She added that under the visionary leadership of President Boakai, the government is committed to transforming tourism into a key pillar of national development, consistent with the ARREST Agenda-Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
Madam Cooper stressed that, this administration sees tourism not merely as a leisure industry but as a strategic instrument for sustainable growth, community empowerment, and inclusive development. She added, “Our collective task is to translate Liberia’s immense natural beauty, rich heritage, and history as Africa’s first independent Republic into real opportunities for our people.
To achieve this according to her, the government is focused on, strengthening institutional coordination to ensure that tourism development aligns with environmental protection and local participation; encouraging public-private partnerships that promote responsible investment and infrastructure expansion; positioning Liberia globally as an eco-friendly and culturally vibrant destination; and ensuring that tourism benefits reach local communities, particularly empowering youth and women entrepreneurs.
“The Executive Mansion views this dialogue as a timely and strategic platform for harmonizing ideas and forging actionable policies that will strengthen the tourism sector’s contribution to our national growth agenda,” Madam Cooper added.
Also speaking, the Director General-designate of the Liberia National Tourism Authority, Princess Eva Cooper, said tourism is not the responsibility of one institution adding, “It is a collective enterprise that thrives on coordination, partnerships, and shared purpose.”
She added that the newly established Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) stands ready to serve as a unifying force, connecting government, private sector, communities, and development partners around a common vision of sustainable tourism.
According to her, their goal is to make Liberia the choicest destination for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and creative enterprise under the President’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. “We envision a tourism sector that generates jobs, supports SMEs, promotes local culture, and safeguards our environment for generations to come.”
“Under the leadership of President Boakai, we have begun to unlock the tourism potential. Our Policy and Regulation are being review and modernize to make it easier to invest, to build, and to operate within the sector. We are currently moving beyond sun-and-sand tourism to community-based tourism, where citizens become stakeholders, and visitors get an authentic life-changing Liberian experience,” she added.
Madam Cooper further revealed that for too long, “Our story has been told by others but with the establishment of LNTA, we are taking control of our narrative. We will showcase the warmth of our people, the safety of our communities, and the sheer beauty of our nation to regional and international audiences.”
She said an honest review also highlights the gaps saying, “We need large hospitality facilities, trained tourism professionals, and better connectivity within our interior. We must continue to combat the perception challenges and assure the world that Liberia is not only open for business but is a safe, welcoming, and must-visit destination.
To achieve this, I encourage you to consider the following four pillars: First, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism. Our natural resources are our greatest treasure, not to be exploited, but to be preserved and responsibly enjoyed. The economic benefits of tourism must not come at an environmental cost. Therefore, we will enforce guidelines to protect our national parks, our rain-forests, our beaches, and our marine life,” she added.
On the second aspect, Community Empowerment. “Tourism will not be an industry that happens to our people, but one that happens with them and for them by ensuring revenue from tourism flows directly into the hands of our citizens by creating jobs and lifting communities out of poverty. Third, Public-Private Partnership. The government cannot do this alone. We call on our Liberian entrepreneurs and international investors to see the immense opportunities and invest in capacity building, hospitality, tour operations, and transportation. We are committed to creating a transparent and attractive investment climate for you,” Cooer noted.
“Fourth, Strengthening the National Brand. We will continue to tell the Liberian story with confidence and creativity. We will host international events, from surfing championships in Robertsport to cultural festivals in Monrovia. We will train our frontline staff-from immigration officers to taxi drivers-to be the friendly and professional ambassadors that every visitor remembers. My message today is a call to action to everyone. To the young people; see your future in this sector, become a chef, a tour guide, a hotel manager, a conservationist. Your energy and innovation are the lifeblood of this industry.”
The occasion was graced by some international partners and Chairman of the Board of Liberia National Tourism Authority, Mr. Christopher H. Onanuga.
