Africa-Press – Liberia. A number of residents in Bong County are appealing to President Joseph Boakai to appoint prominent Gbarnga-based businessman Orando Zarwolo as Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The position became vacant following the recent resignation of David Dorr Cooper.
In a joint statement made in Gbarnga on Saturday, community members including Elijah Deniah, Emmanuel Naniah, Joshua Gbarbea, and Patience Cooper cited Zarwolo’s extensive experience in the country’s business sector as justification for his nomination. According to them, his over 30 years as an entrepreneur and business advocate make him exceptionally suited for the regulatory role.
“Mr. Zarwolo has been instrumental in driving local commerce and supporting youth employment initiatives throughout Bong and surrounding counties,” said Joshua Gbarbea. “He has demonstrated leadership in the private sector and understands the regulatory challenges facing Liberian businesses.”
The citizens argued that Zarwolo’s appointment would not only improve regulatory efficiency at the Ministry but also promote inclusive governance and rural participation in national leadership—an agenda President Boakai has pledged to uphold since taking office.
“Appointing Orando Zarwolo is a chance to bridge the gap between Monrovia and the rest of the country,” said Emmanuel Naniah. “He is grounded in the realities of grassroots commerce and would bring that understanding to national policy.”
The group also called on the Bong County Legislative Caucus to endorse Zarwolo’s nomination, describing him as a “highly qualified and community-rooted candidate” whose background aligns with the government’s push for accountability and reform in trade regulation.
Zarwolo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Public Administration from Cuttington University.
His career spans decades of business management, entrepreneurship, and community development—experience supporters say will bring both technical competence and integrity to the Inspector General’s office.
The Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry plays a critical role in enforcing trade laws, monitoring business practices, and protecting consumer rights. With the Ministry under pressure to step up enforcement and streamline commerce, the appointment of a new Inspector General is viewed as a high-priority decision for the Boakai administration.
President Boakai has yet to announce a successor to David Dorr Cooper, who resigned earlier this week. The delay has left speculation swirling over potential candidates, with Zarwolo’s name now emerging as a leading suggestion from citizens in Liberia’s central heartland.
“We are not asking for favoritism,” said Patience Cooper. “We are asking for fairness and recognition of a Liberian who has consistently delivered in the private sector and is ready to serve the country in a larger capacity.”
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