Gbarnga, Liberia - August 10, 2020 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) donated a motorized cassava grater machine to the Gbarnga Central Prison, in Gbarnga, Liberia. The donation by FAO and the Government of Liberia will aid in the processing of cassava and other agriculture products to provide food and nutrition for inmates and staff at the central prison. FAO staff, led by the Assistant Representative for Programme, Mr. Octavius Quarbo, on behalf of the FAO Representative, Mariatou Njie, were accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. George Boayue, District Agriculture Officer, and Mr. James S. Ponpon, Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Ministry of Justice.

The group was received by the Superintendent of Gbarnga Central Prison, Mr. Richard Z. T. Mulbah, who welcomed the donation as a much needed requirement to enhance their farming activities and called on the partners to continue to provide needed support for the rehabilitation and training of inmates. A sentiment shared by Mr. Quarbo of FAO, who ensured the partners of continued collaboration and accessibility with staff located within the county and from the head office in Monrovia. Mr. Oluwatobi Samuel Bankole, Agriculture Engineer with FAO gave a demonstration on how to safely use the machine which has the ability to produce 100kg per day, and serve as a source for other nutrition. This initiative highlights the continued partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Government of Liberia through its various ministries, Mr. Quarbo thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Justice for their continued support, and in continuation of the technical assistance to the MoJ/BCR, FAO confirmed that working with the MoA, training support could be provided to the inmates and rehab officers on production and value addition for cassava, rice and even vegetables. Mr. Ponpon representing the Ministry of Justice applauded the donation and stressed its importance in helping with the rehabilitation process of inmates and also providing a much needed skill that can translate as a source of income after reintegration. This joint donation highlights the continued collaboration between FAO and its partners in ensuring food security in Liberia.

Media Contact:

Mr. Michael Cooper

Communications Specialist

FAO-Liberia

Email: [email protected]