CARI Director General Delivers Year-End Message to Employees
SUAKOKO, Bong County, December 23, 2025 – The Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, has delivered his year-end message to employees, reflecting on the institute’s achievements in 2025, outlining challenges, and setting priorities for the year ahead.
Addressing the “CARI Family,” Dr. Karnuah extended heartfelt appreciation to staff for their dedication to research activities across programs and projects. He emphasized that their contributions go beyond scientific achievements, describing them as acts of service to humanity.
“Your commitment to advancing agricultural research has been a gift to farmers, communities, and the future of food security in Liberia,” he said.
The Director General also noted that management has strengthened partnerships with national and international agricultural stakeholders, bringing new hope for advanced research in the years ahead. He wished employees joy, peace, and well-deserved rest with their families during the festive season.
Dr. Karnuah highlighted that CARI strengthened its research and production roles in shaping resilient food systems, turning challenges into opportunities for discovery.
Key achievements included:
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Expanding research outputs across thematic programs.
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Enhancing foundation seed production for farmers nationwide.
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Building stronger collaborations with international research institutions.
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Advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Looking ahead, Dr. Karnuah outlined CARI’s priorities for 2026:
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Stronger cooperation and collaboration with partners.
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Accelerated innovations in crop improvement, soil fertility, water management, and climate resilience.
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Renewed commitment to equality and sustainability in agricultural research.
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Strengthening food security by reducing hunger and building resilience against global challenges.
The Director General also addressed concerns about staff performance and absenteeism. He noted that some employees have failed to perform their duties, citing low salaries or other personal reasons.
Dr. Karnuah acknowledged the challenges and assured staff that management is working with the government to secure salary increments. However, he stressed that poor performance and absenteeism are unacceptable.
He outlined three clear options for employees:
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Remain committed and continue performing at maximum capacity while management advocates for better pay.
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Resign and seek opportunities elsewhere.
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Face accountability – beginning in 2026, investigations into poor performance, job abandonment, and absenteeism will lead to punitive action by the Civil Service Agency (CSA).
Dr. Karnuah reminded staff of their responsibility to maintain cleanliness around residential buildings. He warned that failure to clear surroundings could result in liability if fire disasters occur on the property.
The year-end gathering also featured the formal introduction of Dr. Henrique F. Tokpa as the new Chair of CARI’s Board. Dr. Tokpa delivered remarks emphasizing his commitment to supporting the institute’s vision.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Karnuah, reflections from a CARI field representative, and announcements by Mrs. Abibatu T. Kromah, Administrator.
On behalf of the administration, Dr. Karnuah thanked all employees for their service and urged them to embrace shared values and responsibilities in 2026. “Agricultural research is the backbone of food security. It drives discoveries in crop improvement, soil fertility, water management, and climate resilience,” he affirmed.
