DATELINE: MONROVIA – In a decisive move to position tourism as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic future, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed seasoned administrator Princess Eva Cooper as the inaugural Director General of the newly formed Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA).
The appointment, announced Tuesday alongside the signing of the landmark 2025 Liberia National Tourism Act, signals a top-to-bottom overhaul of the country’s approach to its cultural and natural heritage. The President also named Mr. Dogba K. Norris, Jr. as Deputy Director General for Planning, Research, and Development, forming a leadership team tasked with transforming Liberia into a “unique travel and investment destination.”
The newly enacted law establishes the LNTA as the primary government body under Title 30 of the Public Authorities Law, empowering it to promote, regulate, and expand the sector. Its broad mandate is to foster tourism as a vital socioeconomic activity, ensure equitable distribution of benefits, and serve as the central regulator for the industry.
“This initiative is not just about attracting tourists; it is about creating sustainable employment, empowering local businesses, and showcasing Liberia’s unique offerings to the world,” President Boakai stated, directly linking the LNTA’s mission to his government’s broader ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The establishment of the Authority marks a significant shift, formally recognizing tourism’s potential as a key driver for economic growth, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation in a nation historically dependent on commodity exports.
To steer this strategic transition, President Boakai has appointed an inaugural Board of Directors. The board includes statutory members like the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Internal Affairs, a representative from the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and key strategic appointments such as Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah and Mr. Christopher Hayes Onanuga, the Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism.
The leadership team, led by Cooper and Norris, now faces the formidable challenge of building the sector from the ground up. Their immediate mandate is expected to include crafting a national tourism strategy, launching international marketing campaigns to rebrand Liberia’s image, and developing the critical infrastructure—from transportation links to hospitality services—required to welcome the world.
“The success of the LNTA hinges on its ability to work closely with private sector investors, local communities, and international partners,” said a local business leader in the hospitality industry. “We have pristine beaches, unique biodiversity, and a rich history. The legal framework is now in place; the real work of unlocking that potential begins today.”
