By: Julius Konton
The Inspector general of commerce D. Dorr Cooper has sounded a strong warning to Businesses across the Country that the ongoing nationwide inspection will be thorough, robust, and comprehensive.
The exercise he told reporters will tackle a wide range of industry concerns simultaneously.
According to him, the government is committed to enforcing necessary improvements while assisting businesses in meeting new compliance requirements.
“This is not just an exercise in regulation but a long-term effort to cultivate a prosperous industrial landscape in Liberia”, he re-emphasized.
Mr. Cooper at the same time encouraged Industry leaders and businesses to cooperate with inspectors to address operational weaknesses and elevate their standards.
The Ministry, he stated hopes that companies will take the opportunity to enhance their practices and align with global industry expectations.
Additionally, he pointed out that the effort will remain in effect as inspectors move beyond Montserrado and begin their assessments in rural areas throughout Liberia.
“We want to make sure we complete Montserrado first, before moving into other areas with industrial establishments,” said IG Cooper.
As part of the initiative, He streseed that the Commerce Ministry is determined to set a clear standard for Liberia’s industries, bringing them in line with international regulations and best practices.
He clarified that the inspection is not merely punitive, but rather a collaborative effort to create a safer and more efficient industrial environment.
IG Cooper emphasized the Ministry’s guidance-oriented approach, reassuring businesses that the objective is to help them meet international standards.
Commencing with Montserrado County, the commerce inspector general outlined specific priorities that will be addressed in phases.
The first stage, he added focuses on the food industry, ensuring that businesses meet proper hygiene, expiration date requirements, and regulatory measures.
At the same time, Compliance checks will assess whether processing and distribution facilities maintain adequate storage conditions, proper handling methods, and consumer safety protocols.
“Beyond this sector, the Ministry is also targeting foreigners engaged in the sand mining industry, This sector has faced scrutiny due to concerns over environmental damage and regulatory non-compliance”, he noted.
As part of the rigorous process, Inspectors intend to monitor foreign operations more closely, ensuring that businesses adhere to environmental safety measures, lawful licensing procedures, and sustainable mining practices.
According to him, such level of oversight is expected to mitigate harm to local ecosystems while creating a more structured regulatory framework for the industry.
“This inspection is meant to identify all faults; things that have not been done correctly. We will assess existing gaps and work with industry players to ensure compliance with national and international safety guidelines”. Inspector Cooper told Journalists during the exercise.
Another key aspect of the inspection process, he further indicated is the enforcement of business ownership laws that reserve certain sectors exclusively for Liberians.
The Ministry observes that there have been growing concerns about foreign nationals entering industries meant to be operated by Liberians.
In move to help address such situation, The Ministry aims to ensure that businesses follow legal ownership structures, providing economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while preventing unauthorized foreign operations.
” Strengthening this regulation will contribute to Liberia’s economic sovereignty and promote fair business competition among local operators”, he noted.
Moreover, Mr. Cooper, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing standards while providing businesses with the necessary guidance to adapt and improve.
As the initiative progresses, IG Cooper remains optimistic that the enforcement of these regulations will lead to long-term improvements in industry performance and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
His statement follows the official launch of a nationwide inspection effort to strengthen industry standards and ensure businesses comply with regulations that align with international best practices.
The process lead by Commerce Inspector general D. Dorr Cooper and his able team visited several industries located within the industrial park on Somila Drive in Monrovia, marking the beginning of a broad initiative aimed at identifying operational flaws and enforcing corrective measures.
The goal, as outlined by Inspector Cooper, is to pinpoint areas where industries have fallen short and work with them to rectify the issues, ensuring safer and more efficient best practices.
“Industries found lacking in critical areas such as safety tools, protective equipment, or general compliance will receive guidance to bring their operations up to standard”, he said.
However, the presence of expired chemicals and other hazardous goods, he warned will lead to direct fines, which must be deposited into the government’s account.
He was quick to mention that these regulations are already known to businesses, but the enforcement of these measures will be more stringent moving forward.
Meanwhile, The initiative is meant to support economic growth while ensuring the safety and integrity of business operations nationwide.
