“Unethical Practices and Toxic Working Environment” CARI’s New Boss Describes Previous leadership
By Feeme M. Wantee
June 29, 2025
Monrovia: The newly appointed Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), has described the past immediate administration as toxic characterized by Unethical practices and bad working environment
Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah noted that CARI was paralyzed by administrative mismanagement, political interference and widespread staff abandonment.
He recounted how the appointment of unqualified personnel under previous administrations, coupled with financial mismanagement, had eroded donor confidence and severely demoralized the institution and staff.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s regular briefing recently, Dr. Karnuah painted a picture of how the institution has troubled in the past saying there is a sweeping reform underway at Liberia’s leading agricultural research institution.
“Prior to my vetting and appointment by H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., CARI was in a complete state of paralysis, unethical practices and a toxic working environment had stifled our mandate to carry out adaptive and applied agricultural research.” Dr. Karnuah stated.
According to him, the challenges had a direct impact on the nation’s ability to deliver timely agricultural innovations to farmers. “Many of our farmers were deprived of modern research data and support, the result was a devastating gap in Liberia’s agricultural progress.” ,” he explained.
He said the new leadership has embarked on a comprehensive reform and audit process to restore the institution. He listed key Reforms as the regularization staff meetings and strict attendance monitoring, Biometric attendance systems introduced to reduce absenteeism, collaboration with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to enforce salary deductions for unexcused absences restitution of donor funds, and rebuilding trust with international partners.
“We are pleased to inform you that donor confidence is being restored. Several partners have voluntarily expressed renewed interest in working with CARI, and as well the institution has launched two dedicated hotline for direct communication with farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and the general public. ” Dr. Karnuah announced.
Additionally, the institute’s website has been reactivated, providing access to research updates, publications, and partnership opportunities. “The website is not just a communication tool,” Dr. Karnuah noted. “It symbolizes our commitment to transparency, visibility, and collaboration.”
According to the new boss, CARI is now an active participant in the Service Delivery Charter (SDC) under the Cabinet Secretariat at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs ensuring institutional accountability to national development priorities and service standards.
As CARI emerges from years of dysfunction, its renewed focus on accountability, professionalism, and stakeholder engagement marks a hopeful new chapter for Liberia’s agricultural sector.
He said under his leadership, the institute appears poised to reclaim its role at the heart of the nation’s food security strategy. “We are not just rebuilding an institution, we are rekindling hope for our farmers, our researchers, and the future of agriculture in Liberia.” Dr. Karnuah concluded.
