By 
Monrovia, Liberia — Former Commerce Minister Amin Moda has raised concerns over the long-held belief that abundant natural resources automatically translate into national wealth, pointing to Liberia as a clear example of the contrary.
In a reflective statement, Moda argued that despite Liberia’s rich natural endowments and relatively small population, the country continues to struggle economically—challenging the assumption that resource wealth alone guarantees prosperity.
“Liberia is a clear example that countries are not automatically wealthy simply because they possess abundant natural resources,” he stated. “If that were the case, nearly every Liberian would be at least middle class, and many would be millionaires.”
Policy Over Resources
According to Moda, the real driver of prosperity lies not in what a country has, but in how it manages those resources. He emphasized the need for sound national policies that promote economic inclusion and sustainable development.
He outlined key pillars for national growth, including:
- Encouraging free enterprise
- Empowering citizens through decentralized economic participation
- Upholding the rule of law
- Combating corruption in a systematic and impartial manner
- Promoting innovation
- Investing in education and overall well-being of citizens
Lessons from Other Nations
Moda pointed to countries such as Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, and Rwanda as examples of nations that have achieved prosperity through strong governance, strategic policy implementation, and human capital development rather than reliance on natural resources.
A Call for Change
His remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about governance, corruption, and economic reform in Liberia. Ending his statement on an optimistic note, Moda stressed that Liberia has the potential to achieve similar success if the right measures are put in place.
“WE CAN ALSO!” he declared, urging policymakers and citizens alike to commit to building a more prosperous and corruption-free society.
The statement has since sparked discussions on social media under the hashtags #GoLiberia and #CorruptionFreeWorld, with many calling for renewed focus on policy reforms and accountability in governance.
