Monrovia, Liberia – Resettlement Action Payments under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) have started by the Government of Liberia, reinforcing its commitment to justice and community rights and marking a significant step toward large-scale agro-industrial development.
Speaking on Friday, January 16, 2026, through Macdonald M. Metzger, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung stated that the payments show the Boakai Administration’s commitment to ensuring that development does not come at the expense of citizens.
“Compensation is not a favor; it is a right, stressing that communities affected by the SAPZ project must be treated as partners, not casualties, of national progress,” he added.
The ceremony, held in Buchanan, brought together lawmakers, cabinet ministers, county officials, traditional leaders, and project stakeholders. Koung conveyed warm greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive, people-centered development anchored in the ARREST Agenda.
Described as a flagship national effort, the SAPZ is anticipated to boost national food security, increase the value of Liberian agricultural produce, open up new options for farmers, and generate thousands of jobs. When full site operations start, Grand Bassa County is expected to become a strategic hub for agro-industrial processing.
Through Metzger, Koung commended the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA), the National Investment Commission (NIC), county officials, and traditional leaders for their collaboration in reaching the resettlement phase, pointing out that the administration’s top priority is still transparent implementation.
“Development must proceed with dignity and respect for the rights of our people, assuring beneficiaries that the Government will continue to prioritize shared prosperity as SAPZ activities advance,” he narrated.
He noted that the initiation of resettlement payments removes a significant obstacle for the SAPZ initiative and signals what officials say is the start of a new phase in Liberia’s efforts to develop rural areas and promote growth driven by agriculture.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Photo credit: VP Office
