Monrovia, Liberia — A Liberian advocate Philiph E. Woods II is calling on citizens to support Vice President Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. for what he describes as a strong political will toward enforcing the Liberianization Law, similar to the government’s enforcement of the Zoning Law.
According to Woods, successive administrations and officials at the Ministry of Commerce have failed over the years to fully implement the Liberianization policy, despite the law being intended to empower Liberian-owned businesses and create economic opportunities for citizens.
Woods argued that the policy, originally established during the True Whig Party era, was meant to add value to Liberian citizenship by protecting certain businesses for Liberians while encouraging foreign investors to form partnerships with local entrepreneurs.
He further stated that many foreign-owned businesses continue to dominate sectors reserved for Liberians because of weak enforcement and lack of unity among citizens. Woods believes that if the government can successfully enforce the Zoning Law, it should also be able to implement the Liberianization Law.
“For the first time in Liberia’s 46-year history, the current Vice President has demonstrated political will to stand with us,” Woods asserted, urging Liberians to seize what he described as an important opportunity for economic empowerment.
Woods also challenged the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia and the Liberia Business Association (LIBA) to lead efforts aimed at ensuring greater prosperity and economic participation for Liberians.
He concluded by urging Liberians to unite around policies that prioritize local businesses and strengthen national economic ownership.
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