The former Deputy Governor for Operations of the Central Bank of Liberia and son of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Charles Sirleaf, is dead. According to family sources, Sirleaf died in Ghana on Sunday, June 2, 2024 after a period of illness.
Sirleaf, 68, was a prominent figure in Liberia’s financial sector, having served as Deputy Governor and Acting Executive Governor under three 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.
Sirleaf served as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Liberia from 2012 to 2020. During this period, he briefly assumed 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 role as Deputy Governor for Operations. However, his second tenure was marked by a series of financial scandals, including allegations of printing excess banknotes outside of the law. He resigned in 2019 when the CDC-led government took office.
Charles Sirleaf was among several Central Bank Governors charged in connection with the alleged unlawful printing of local currency worth billions 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.
Before his deputy governorship at the Central Bank, Charles Sirleaf held various significant roles in both the public and private sectors. He served as Director of Finance at CBL, Manager for Banking and Debt Management, Special Assistant/Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Finance, President of the National Housing and Savings Bank, and Special Assistant to the Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Namibia, among others.
In a related development, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has extended his condolences to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the loss of her son, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Charles Sirleaf.
In a telephone conversation with the former President, the Liberian Leader expressed his profound regrets, and prayed that God consoles ex-President Sirleaf and her family during such a difficult time.
The President promised to pay her a visit upon his return to the country, as he is currently away on national duty.
Meanwhile, 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 during this moment of grief and sorrow.
