By 𝐁𝐲: 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐏. 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has questioned why poverty continues to increase in Liberia despite economic growth, a stronger Liberian dollar, and lower inflation.
In a public statement issued on Sunday, November 8, Konneh cited the Central Bank of Liberia’s August 2026 Monthly Economic Review and the World Bank’s 7th Liberia Economic Update, which indicate that the country’s economic growth is not translating into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
According to Konneh, Liberia recorded 5.1 percent economic growth in 2025, largely driven by mining, while agriculture grew by only 2.6 percent and manufacturing contracted by 2.8 percent. He said the World Bank estimated poverty increased from 34.6 percent to 36.1 percent, largely due to inflation and sluggish agricultural growth.
Konneh urged the Government to address high port charges, transportation costs, and other business expenses that contribute to rising commodity prices. He also proposed reducing port-related costs, ensuring a stronger Liberian dollar benefits consumers, and providing targeted relief to small businesses, stressing that economic stability must translate into improved purchasing power and living conditions for Liberians.
