Liberia’s Central Bank Governor Jones speaks at the program

The executive governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Dr. Joseph Mills Jones is strongly kicking back against what he termed as baseless and noisy arguments against the bank’s scheme to financially empower ordinary Liberians.

Governor Jones said the CBL’s financial inclusion program is based on finding ways and responses to the situation that exists in Liberia, especially when it comes to fighting poverty.

He made the statement last Saturday at a program making the official opening of the second Nimba Rural Community Finance Institution in Sanniquelle, Nimba County in the north of the West African country. 

“There is nothing wrong with using Liberian resources on Liberians to fight poverty in the country, especially where the people are striving to make a living”, he said.

The CBL head maintained that if a true Liberian middle class is to be created, Liberians must be empowered economically.

“Liberians must have the vision and will to bring about economic transformation. We must not do things the same way which has got us where we are today. This country belongs to everyone and, as such, everyone should have an equal opportunity,” he stressed.

A huge turnout at the opening of the CBL’s Nimba Rural Community Finance Institution

The CBL Governor took a swipe at his detractors who he said are in the habit of misleading the public about the bank’s initiative.

He said the negative criticism must be abandoned as it will get no where.

He called on the people of Nimba to be a united as one people as this can go a long way in bringing forth meaningful benefits.

Governor Jones also said when united, the people of Nimba and any other county will find value in diversity, saying, “let’s say no to the destructive politics of tribalism.”

Traditional leaders, marketers and officials of the county showered praises on Governor Jones for his work which gives villagers and other grass-rooters access to finance and credit.

The people of Nimba appealed to the CBL boss for more financial intervention in their area through the establishment of financial institutions or other banking institutions.

Text & Photos: Peter N. Toby