In a move to fulfill his campaign promise and cushion the effects of the recent USAID aid withdrawal, Bong County District #7 Representative Foday Fahnbulleh has donated two months of his salary—totaling L$2,500,000—to support struggling local businesses in Bong Mines and Yarbaryah Town.
The initiative targets small-scale entrepreneurs, including street vendors, young ‘Yanna Boys’, scratch card sellers, and banana traders — groups Fahnbulleh described as the “backbone of our local economy.” The donation provided direct financial support to over 250 beneficiaries, with individual contributions ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 Liberian Dollars.
“In fulfillment of my campaign promise and in response to the harsh reality of the USAID aid withdrawal, I have donated two months of my salary, totaling L$2,500,000, to support local businesses in Bong Mines and Yarbaryah Town,” Fahnbulleh stated. “This initiative directly benefits street vendors, including young ‘Yanna Boys’, scratch card sellers, small banana traders, and other struggling entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our local economy.”
According to Fahnbulleh, the financial assistance is intended to ease the economic burden on local traders and stimulate small business growth during a period of increased hardship.
“By investing in these hard working individuals, we aim to create a ripple effect that fosters economic growth and sustains livelihoods in our communities,” he explained.
The USAID funding withdrawal has placed significant financial strain on many communities across Liberia, particularly affecting those who rely on informal trading for their survival. Fahnbulleh’s intervention seeks to mitigate these challenges by empowering small business owners to maintain and expand their operations.
“Through this effort, over 250 people received direct financial support ranging from 10,000.00 to 25,000.00 Liberian Dollars to help strengthen their businesses,” he added. “This contribution serves as a lifeline for many who have experienced financial strain due to the reduction of key external assistance. As we continue striving for sustainable economic empowerment, I remain committed to supporting initiatives that uplift my constituents and bolster our local economy.”
The donation has been widely welcomed by community members, many of whom expressed gratitude for the timely intervention. Beneficiaries believe the financial support will provide a much-needed boost to their businesses and help them navigate the current economic challenges.
“I sell bananas at the Bong Mines market, and things have been very tough since the aid stopped coming,” said Ma Martha, a local trader who received L$15,000. “This money will help me restock and take care of my children’s school fees. I am grateful to Honorable Fahnbulleh for remembering us.”
Another beneficiary, Prince Mulbah, a scratch card seller, described the assistance as a turning point for his small business. “I received L$10,000, which will help me increase my stock and serve more customers. This support is a blessing because, without it, many of us would struggle to survive,” he noted.
For young ‘Yanna Boy’ James Kollie, the financial aid represents hope during difficult times. “I hustle every day to feed my family, and things have not been easy lately. With this money, I can buy more goods and hopefully grow my business,” he shared.
Fahnbulleh reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of his constituents and promised to continue exploring avenues for sustainable economic empowerment. His donation reflects a growing concern among local leaders over the impact of international aid reductions and the urgent need to support Liberia’s vulnerable populations.
