By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA, Liberia – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on the Liberian government to strengthen public confidence and institutional integrity to attract credible investors while discouraging criminal enterprises from operating in the country.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day National Conference on Women’s Financial Inclusion in Congo Town, Sirleaf stressed that Liberia’s ability to attract legitimate investment depends on building trust in its governance and institutions.
She warned that without confidence in the country’s systems, Liberia risks becoming a destination for illegal businesses rather than reputable investors.
“We have to build confidence in all aspects of our national endeavors,” Sirleaf said. “Otherwise, we might have those bad businesses like those drug people who are coming here. We have to build that confidence.”
Sirleaf emphasized that restoring confidence in government would encourage banks, international investors, and other legitimate businesses to invest in Liberia while reducing opportunities for criminal networks to exploit weaknesses in the country’s institutions.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing investigation by Liberian authorities into the recent seizure of suspected illicit drugs valued at more than US$300 million, one of the country’s largest drug-related cases in recent years.
The National Conference on Women’s Financial Inclusion brought together government officials, financial institutions, development partners, and women’s organizations to discuss strategies for expanding women’s access to financial services and promoting inclusive economic growth across Liberia.
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