Published: September 22, 2025
MONROVIA — Two of Liberia’s largest business groups have pledged strong support to the Central Bank of Liberia’s (CBL) “Clean Note Campaign,” a nationwide initiative urging citizens to preserve the quality of the Liberian dollar as a symbol of national pride.
The Liberia Business Association (LIBA) and the Liberian Marketing Association (LMA) said they will mobilize members across markets and businesses to back the campaign, which officially launches Friday at Rally Time Market in central Monrovia under the theme “Our Money, Our Pride — Handle It With Care.”
The effort comes in response to what the CBL describes as an alarming level of currency damage. Poor handling practices — writing, stapling, squeezing, stamping, and exposing notes to dirt and moisture — have left as much as L$1 billion of the new banknotes printed in 2022 unfit for circulation. The problem not only undermines public confidence in the currency, officials say, but also costs the government millions of U.S. dollars in replacement.
Business Leaders Rally Support
LIBA President James M. Strother said the business community has a duty to lead by example.
“A clean currency enhances business transactions and builds public confidence,” Strother said. “The way we handle our currency reflects how we value our economy. LIBA encourages all business operators to treat our money with respect.”
For her part, LMA President Elizabeth F. Sambollah highlighted the frontline role of market women and men.
“Our members handle money daily. We are proud to stand with the CBL in this campaign and will use our structures to educate our people on why proper handling of money is critical for our economy and national pride,” Sambollah said.
Both associations committed to working with the central bank and other partners to extend the life of banknotes, reduce replacement costs, and strengthen trust in the Liberian dollar.
A National Push
CBL Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi framed the campaign as a patriotic duty.
“The Liberian dollar is a symbol of our sovereignty. When we disrespect our money, we disrespect ourselves as a people,” Saamoi said. “This campaign challenges every Liberian to take responsibility — not only to safeguard the value of our currency but to show pride in our national identity.”
Saamoi said the launch marks the beginning of a sustained national push, with outreach spanning radio programs, community theater, and grassroots engagement across the country.
Campaign teams are already staging a two-day float through Monrovia, using music, drama, and street activations to drive home the message. Under the program, those caught deliberately damaging currency risk fines of up to L$500,000 or two years in prison.
Broad Stakeholder Buy-In
The Clean Note Campaign has drawn backing from a wide range of groups, including all nine commercial banks, the National Association of Foreign Exchange Bureaus, the National Street Vendors and Scratch Card Dealers Association, and the Federation of Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union of Liberia.
Officials say such broad involvement is critical if the campaign is to succeed in changing public behavior.
“This is not a one-off event,” Saamoi added. “Whether you are a vendor, taxi driver, student, or office worker, this campaign speaks to you. Together, we can save the country millions in printing costs and show respect to the Liberian dollar.”
The campaign will be officially launched Sept. 19, with organizers calling on all Liberians to take ownership of the effort and embrace the slogan: “Our Money, Our Pride — Handle It With Care.”
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