MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Charles Sirleaf, the former Deputy Bank Governor for Operations of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and eldest son of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, reportedly passed away last night in Ghana. The details surrounding his death have not been fully disclosed, with the family requesting privacy during this difficult time. Mr. Sirleaf, 68, who served as the acting governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, died peacefully in his sleep. His sudden demise, confirmed by a family source on Monday, has left many in shock and sorrow.
Charles Sirleaf 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.
Mr. 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 was dismissed in 2018 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 millions 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 tenure 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.
Mr. Charles Sirleaf’s educational background includes an MBA in Finance from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and a high school certificate from the College of West Africa (CWA).
The passing of Charles Sirleaf marks the end of an era in Liberia’s financial sector, and his contributions will be remembered by many in the nation.
