The C. Mike Doryen administration under the CDC-led government has turned over the mantle of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to the newly appointed Managing Director, Rudolph Merah.
At a colorful ceremony held on Friday February 23, 2024 at the Shed Kadea Board Room, FDA head office, Whein Town, Benald Farm, Monrovia the orderly transfer of power dubbed by observers as democratically fashioned because the outgoing managing director was present to transfer power in a peaceably manner unlike other institutions.
The event was graced by representatives of key local and international partners working in the forestry sector including Conservation International (CI), European Union (EU), Liberia Timber Association, amongst others who respectively pledged their unflinching support to the new administration.
A number of government officials including former Gbarpou Senator Armah Jallah, River Cess Senator Geevon Smith and Representative Romeo Quiah also graced the occasion.
In remarks, they pledged to work closely with the new administration to ensure that its dreams and aspirations are fruitfully achieved while challenging it to remain a progressive driver of the forest sector to benefit all stakeholders.
In his turn over statement the outgoing Managing Director, Doryen outlined numerous achievements under his administration; one of which included keeping the force united.
He said under his administration there was no witch hunting.
Mr. Doryen, however, said he was despised by a number of international partners for his uncompromising stance not to mortgage the rights of Liberia.
He urged the incoming administration to keep holding FDA’s flag in high esteem that it may continue to shine high on the international stage given the mark Liberia has made as it relates to being a global conservation hotspot.
He wondered why some individuals would engage in protesting against the preferment of the President, something he termed as ugly behavior and called for calm and peaceful coexistence at the FDA.
In his acceptance statement, the new Managing Director pledged to remain loyal to the state and people as it relates to moving the forestry sector forward in accordance with the 3cs equation including Conservation, Commercial and Community forestry programs.
Mr. Merah then vowed to make FDA void of politics saying that he will only deal with people on the basis of performance, not partisanship.
He said he’s not a politician but an experienced business man whose interest is to practically make FDA an admirable forestry hub.
Mr. Merah noted that he will unbendingly uphold the trust and confidence reposed in him by President Joseph Boakia to upgrade the entity which remains a strong economic nerve in Liberia.
He said he’s a God fearing person and as such he will do what it takes to bring pride to the government and people of Liberia, especially at a time when the need for patriotism, nationalism and honesty can’t be overemphasized.
He called for unity, collaboration and progressive workforce, one which will be driven by the love country.
