By Bridgett Milton
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has called on Liberians to take advantage and own the tourism sector.
Speaking at the Liberia Eco-Tourism Exploration Comedy and Networking Dinner on Sunday, 21 January 2023 at the EJS Ministerial Complex, Koffa said the private sector can be a constructive advocate of policies and actions that could improve the tourism sector.
“Liberia has a rich history and cultural heritage. Our biodiversity, our landscape, and our pristine beaches are breathtaking natural attractions,” said Cllr. Koffa.
“Imagine having nearly 32% of our total landmass forested, containing here are more than 2000 species of vascular plants of which 225 are species of trees and timbers; more than 140 species of mammals, including the rare pygmy hippopotamus,” he added.
The Liberian House Speaker also mentioned that there are over 600 species of birds and about 75 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the Nile dwarf, and West African Crocodiles, and six species of tortoise.
He added that the nation, under God’s command, is greatly blessed with abundant natural endowments that could be leveraged to create conditions that will spur growth and development for all the people.
“I am not talking about iron ore and gold, and diamonds,” said Sepaker Koffa.
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He continued that Liberia has the potential of being among the top tourist destinations in Africa, if not the world.
And to make that happen, he said the full force of the government, the private sector, and the ordinary citizens must work concertedly.
“Tourism is foremost, the function of security and basic infrastructures, especially road connectivity. I am pleased that the President-elect Joseph N. Boakai has repeatedly mentioned infrastructure development as a priority of his AREST AGENDA,” said Cllr. Koffa.
“Our role as the peoples’ deputies- the Legislature, will be to support the Executive to implement policies that would advance tourism and enhance the welfare of our people.”
He noted that this will also include bringing about additional policy initiatives such as making the country more accessible to tourists and empowering the local business community.
At the same time, Speaker Koffa thanked the Liberia Eco-tourism Exploration (LETE) and its Chief Executive Officer, George G. Wisner, for this initiative.
For his part, Wisner said the goal of LETE is to expand and sustain its operation while generating income and employment opportunities for host communities.
