By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, Aug. 3, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially launched First Atlantic Bank Liberia Limited, describing the bank’s entry into the Liberian market as a sign of growing investor confidence in the country’s economy.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held on July 31 in Sinkor, Monrovia, President Boakai said the establishment of the bank reflects confidence in Liberia’s economic prospects and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment.
He said the Government remains focused on implementing policies that attract investors, strengthen the private sector, and accelerate economic growth.
“We have been encouraging our brothers across the sub-region and assuring them that Liberia is ready to work with them. Today, we are very proud to welcome this bank,” Boakai said.
The President added that partnerships with credible financial institutions will deepen regional economic integration and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem said Liberia’s banking sector already reflects the growing strength of African enterprise, with financial institutions from Liberia, Nigeria, Togo, and Cameroon operating in the country.
He said the arrival of First Atlantic Bank further strengthens an African-led financial sector capable of supporting regional trade and investment.
According to Ampem, the bank’s success should ultimately be measured by its contribution to job creation, support for women entrepreneurs, and expanded access to financial services for farmers and businesses.
Also speaking, Catherine Engmann, Board Chairperson of First Atlantic Bank PLC, said the institution deliberately chose to invest in Liberia because of its confidence in the country’s future.
She described Liberia as a resilient nation with significant opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, trade, and infrastructure, adding that the country’s private sector requires banking institutions with the capital, technology, and long-term commitment to support economic expansion.
“As we open our doors in Monrovia today, First Atlantic Bank makes a promise not only to Liberia but to every market we serve. We will come with humility, technology, capital, expertise, and a genuine commitment to the communities in which we operate,” Engmann said.
Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi of the Central Bank of Liberia described the launch as a strong vote of confidence in Liberia’s economy and financial sector.
Saamoi encouraged the bank to promote financial inclusion by expanding banking services to small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting initiatives that create employment opportunities for young Liberians.
He also urged the institution to maintain high standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct, while calling for greater empowerment of women within the banking sector.
Representing the Bank of Ghana, Owusu Ankomah challenged the bank’s leadership to replicate in Liberia the successful strategies it has implemented in Ghana.
He expressed confidence that First Atlantic Bank would make a meaningful contribution to Liberia’s economic development while strengthening economic ties between Liberia and Ghana.
