Monrovia – Charles Sirleaf, son of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and a significant figure in Liberia’s financial sector, has died at the age of 68. Mr. Sirleaf passed away in his sleep in Ghana, as confirmed by a family source on Monday. His unexpected death has left many in shock and sorrow.
Mr. Sirleaf had a distinguished career in Liberia’s financial sector, serving as Deputy Governor and Acting Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) from 2004 to 2020. Known for his efforts to stabilize the economy and implement crucial financial reforms, he worked under three presidents and an interim government.
Details surrounding Mr. Sirleaf’s death have not been fully disclosed, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
From 2012 to 2020, Charles Sirleaf served as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank. During this period, he temporarily assumed the role of Executive Governor following the resignation of then-Governor Mill Jones. After Governor Milton Weeks was appointed, Sirleaf resumed his position as Deputy Governor for Operations. His tenure was marred by financial scandals, including allegations of unlawfully printing excess banknotes. He was dismissed in 2018 when the CDC-led government came to power.
In 2018, Charles Sirleaf was among several Central Bank officials charged in connection with the alleged unlawful printing of local currency worth millions of dollars that reportedly disappeared. The indicted officials included former Governor Milton Weeks, Finance Director Dorbor M. Hagba, Director of Operations Richard H. Walker, and Deputy Director of Internal Audit Joseph Dennis. During the ongoing legal proceedings, President George Weah appointed Madam Pearson as Deputy Bank Governor for Operations, though her confirmation was delayed due to the legal issues involving Sirleaf.
Before his roles at the Central Bank, Charles Sirleaf held various significant positions, including 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 also served as Vice President of the National Housing and Savings Bank (1993-1996), Instructor of Economics at the University of Liberia (1998-2006), Manager for Business Development and Trade at Meridien BIAO Bank, Liberia Ltd (1992-1993), Manager at Citicorp Credit Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia (1990-1992), and Manager at Citizens and Southern Bank (C&S) in Atlanta, Georgia (1987-1990).
Charles Sirleaf earned an MBA in Finance from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a high school certificate from the College of West Africa (CWA).
The passing of Charles Sirleaf marks the end of an era for a man who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s financial sector. His contributions and efforts towards the country’s economic development will be remembered, despite the controversies that marked his career.
