By Amos Harris
The Government of Liberia has moved to calm growing public debate over the printing of new banknotes and the status of district development projects, urging citizens to rely on verified facts instead of what it described as misinformation 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 said the decision to print new Liberian dollar banknotes was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated, but rather based on sound technical and financial considerations.
According to Minister Sando, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai had already formally communicated the policy direction, while technical experts from the Central Bank of Liberia are expected to provide a detailed explanation on the rationale behind the move.
He emphasized that the issue should be treated as a matter of national economic policy and not be reduced to political rhetoric.
“The public deserves facts and professional explanations, not speculation,” Sando stressed, adding that the upcoming engagement with central bank officials is intended to provide transparency and build public confidence in the process.
In defending the government’s position, Sando also drew attention to previous financial controversies, particularly the unresolved L$16 billion banknote scandal that emerged under the administration of former President George Manneh Weah.
He described that episode as a major failure in accountability and transparency, one that tarnished Liberia’s international image and weakened public trust in national institutions.
The Deputy Information Minister further criticized some of the political voices currently condemning the banknote printing exercise, arguing that several of them served in previous administrations but failed to raise similar objections when serious financial irregularities were reported.
According to him, the current administration’s policies are designed to correct those past governance shortcomings by promoting stronger oversight, transparency, and institutional credibility.
Beyond the currency issue, Minister Sando used the briefing to reaffirm the government’s commitment to local and national development, particularly through county and district-based initiatives.
He pointed to the District Development Fund, which is being implemented by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, as a key instrument for delivering projects in communities across the country.
Sando disclosed that officials from LACE are expected to provide detailed updates on the number of completed projects, the districts benefiting, and the extent of legislative participation in identifying and monitoring those initiatives.
The clarification, he noted, is also aimed at addressing growing public concerns over whether the selection of projects is influenced by political considerations.
He maintained that the government remains committed to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the distribution of development resources.
The Ministry of Information, Sando said, remains an important bridge between government officials and the Liberian people, providing a public platform where issues of national concern can be openly discussed and clarified.
He expressed confidence that forthcoming briefings from both the Central Bank and LACE leadership will help dispel misinformation and provide citizens with a clearer understanding of the government’s economic and development agenda.
Minister Sando concluded with a call for continued public awareness and civic engagement, emphasizing that all government actions remain open to public scrutiny and are being pursued in the broader interest of national development and economic stability.
