SUAKOKO, Bong – The Central Agricultural Research Institute has inducted a new director general, Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah. He has vowed to rebrand CARI as an institute of excellence for agriculture research and innovation in Liberia.

President Joseph Boakai appointed Karnuah as head of CARI on July 25, following a vetting process by the institute’s board of directors.

During his induction ceremony last week on CARI’s compound in Suakoko, Karnuah said CARI would conduct applied client-oriented and adaptive research in agriculture and natural resources to inform policymakers on options to increase agriculture productivity and production without detriment to the natural resource base and the environment.

“We will increase food security by contributing to sustainable agriculture growth and an effective agriculture research system,” Karnuah added.

He called for the collaborative efforts of all employees at CARI to make the institution a better place for work and productivity.

Making remarks at the induction ceremony, James Dole, CARI’s outgoing officer-in-charge, said the institution was chaotic when he took over a few months ago. However, his leadership has restored peace to the research institute.

However, Dolo alleged that CARI’s board of directors, headed by the minister of agriculture, Alexander Neutah, did not recognize and appreciate the role he played at CARI.

“I should have been the best celebrant for this ceremony, but unfortunately, I am the saddest person because of the bad treatment l have received from the board,” Dolo said. “At times, you work hard, but your work is dispatched.”

In response, Minister Neutah called on Dolo and other CARI employees to put aside politics and work together for the growth and development of CARI. He said the government was ready to support Liberia’s only agriculture research institute.

The induction program brought together government officials and local leaders of Bong.

Featured photo courtesy of the Central Agricultural Research Institute