By Amos Harris
The Government of Liberia has moved to calm growing public debate regarding the printing of new banknotes and the status of district development projects. Officials are urging citizens to rely on verified facts rather than the misinformation currently circulating on radio talk shows and social media platforms.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular weekend press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando stated that the decision to print new Liberian dollar banknotes was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated. Instead, he framed the move as one based on sound technical and financial considerations aimed at stabilizing the economy.
Minister Sando noted that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has already formally communicated the policy direction. Furthermore, technical experts from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) are expected to provide a detailed briefing soon to explain the specific rationale behind the move. Sando emphasized that the currency issue should be treated as a matter of national economic policy rather than being reduced to political rhetoric.
“The public deserves facts and professional explanations, not speculation,” Sando stressed. He added that the upcoming engagement with central bank officials is intended to provide full transparency and build public confidence in the financial process.
In defending the current administration’s position, Sando drew a sharp contrast with previous financial controversies, specifically referencing the unresolved L$16 billion banknote scandal that occurred under the administration of former President George Manneh Weah. He described that episode as a major failure in accountability that tarnished Liberia’s international image and weakened public trust.
The Deputy Information Minister further criticized several political voices currently condemning the currency exercise, arguing that many of these critics served in previous administrations yet remained silent when serious financial irregularities were reported in the past. He maintained that the current administration’s policies are specifically designed to correct those governance shortcomings by promoting stronger oversight and institutional credibility.
Beyond the currency debate, Minister Sando used the briefing to reaffirm the government’s commitment to local development through county and district-based initiatives. He highlighted the District Development Fund, currently being implemented by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), as a primary instrument for delivering community projects across the country.
Sando disclosed that LACE officials will soon provide updates on the total number of completed projects, the specific districts benefiting, and the role of the legislature in identifying and monitoring these initiatives. This clarification is intended to address public concerns regarding whether project selection is influenced by political bias. Sando insisted that the government remains committed to fairness and inclusiveness in the distribution of development resources.
The Ministry of Information, Sando concluded, remains a vital bridge between the government and the people, providing a platform for open discussion and clarification on matters of national concern. He expressed confidence that forthcoming briefings from the Central Bank and LACE leadership will dispel existing misinformation and offer citizens a clearer understanding of the government’s broader economic and development agenda.