By By The people News
Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has appointed Ms. Princess Eva Cooper as Director General and Mr. Dogba K. Norris, Jr. as Deputy Director General for Planning, Research, and Development of the newly established Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA).
The appointments follow the passage of the **2025 Liberia National Tourism Act**, a landmark legislation that formally created the LNTA as Liberia’s central agency for tourism development and promotion. The Act, codified under Title 30 of the Public Authorities Law, seeks to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, attract investment, and preserve national heritage.
President Boakai described the appointments as a critical step in diversifying Liberia’s economy and restoring the country’s profile as a vibrant travel destination. He emphasized that the LNTA’s work will align with his **ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development**, which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
“The Liberia National Tourism Authority is more than a new agency—it’s a symbol of our commitment to making tourism a driving force for economic growth,” the President said in a statement issued from the Executive Mansion.
The process to create the LNTA began in **September 2024**, when the House of Representatives passed the bill titled *“An Act to Amend Title 30, Public Authorities Laws… to Establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority.”* The Senate approved the measure in early 2025, and President Boakai signed it into law on **August 15, 2025**, officially bringing the LNTA into existence.
Before the LNTA, Liberia’s tourism was managed under the **Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT)**, a structure often criticized for its lack of focus and insufficient resources. Stakeholders had long called for an independent authority to drive policy, investment, and promotion in a more strategic way.
Under Ms. Cooper and Mr. Norris, the LNTA is expected to implement a national tourism strategy emphasizing research, development, and sustainable management of Liberia’s natural and cultural assets. Analysts say the Authority’s establishment comes at a critical moment as Liberia seeks to emerge as a competitive eco-tourism destination in West Africa.
Officials hope the LNTA will unlock opportunities for job creation, attract international investment, and showcase Liberia’s forests, beaches, and heritage sites to the world.
