Africa-Press – Liberia. During his tenure, the late Sirleaf (left) was known for his efforts to stabilize the country’s economy and implement critical financial reforms.
President Joseph Boakai, through a telephone communication Monday, conveyed his condolence message to former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as she mourns the passing of her son, Charles Sirleaf.
It is understood that President Boakai expressed his “profound regrets” and prayed that God consoles Madam Sirleaf and her family during such a difficult time. Accordingly, he promised to visit Madam Sirleaf following his return from South Korea.
The Executive Mansion wrote: “The President promised to pay her a visit upon his return to the country, as he is currently away on national duty. The Liberian Chief Executive is urging Liberians and friends to offer prayers for consolation and peace of mind for the former President and her family in this moment of grief and sorrow.”
Mr. Sirleaf, who served as acting governor of the Central Bank of Liberia during the regime of former President George Weah, passed away in Ghana, aged 68.
Details surrounding his death have not been fully disclosed, with the family requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Madam Sirleaf has faced the heartbreaking loss of two of her four children. This recent loss follows the earlier passing of another of Sirleaf’s son, James Sirleaf, deepening the sorrow for the former President and her family.
Former President George Weah, along with several ex-officials, visited ex- President Sirleaf to express their condolences. His visit was seen as a gesture of respect and sympathy, demonstrating unity and support for Madam Sirleaf during this time of mourning.
Who was Charles Sirleaf?
Mr. Sirleaf was a prominent figure in Liberia’s financial sector, serving as Deputy Governor and Acting Executive Governor under two presidents and an interim government from 2004 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for his efforts to stabilize the country’s economy and implement critical financial reforms.
Mr. Sirleaf served as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Liberia from 2012 to 2020. During this period, he temporarily held the position of Executive Governor following the resignation of then-Governor Mill Jones.
After Governor Milton Weeks’ appointment as Executive Governor, Sirleaf returned to his post as Deputy Governor for Operations. His second tenure was marred by a series of financial scandals, including allegations of printing excess banknotes outside of the law.
He was appointed and commissioned in February 2016 to a five-year tenure but was dismissed in 2018 when the CDC-led government took office.
Mr. Sirleaf was among several Central Bank Governors charged in connection with the alleged unlawful printing of local currency worth millions of dollars that reportedly disappeared in 2018.
The former bank officials indicted in the case included Former Governor Milton Weeks, Finance Director Dorbor M. Hagba, Director of Operations Richard H. Walker, and Deputy Director of Internal Audit Joseph Dennis.
While the legal process was ongoing, President Weah appointed Madam Pearson to the position of Deputy Bank Governor for Operations, though her confirmation was delayed due to the legal proceedings surrounding Mr. Sirleaf.
Before his tenure at the Central Bank, Charles Sirleaf held various significant roles: Director of Finance at CBL (2006-2012), Manager for Banking and Debt Management (2004-2006), Special Assistant/Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Finance (2000-2003), President of the National Housing and Savings Bank (1998-2003), and Special Assistant to the Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Namibia (1996-1998).
He was also Vice President of the National Housing and Savings Bank (1993-1996), an Instructor of Economics at the University of Liberia (UL) (1998-2006), Manager for Business Development and Trade at Meridien BIAO Bank, Liberia Ltd (1992-1993), Manager at Citicorp Credit Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (1990-1992), and Manager at Citizens and Southern Bank (C&S) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (1987-1990).
Regarding his educational background, Mr. Charles Sirleaf earned an MBA in Finance from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and a high school certificate from the College of West Africa (CWA).
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