Ganta, Nimba County – The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside the Liberia Business Association (LBA), successfully mediated a dialogue between DMI Microfinance Institution and the Ganta Business Community.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
The resolution came after protests erupted at DMI’s local office in Ganta, Nimba County sparked by widespread misinformation about the availability of funds from the World Bank-backed Liberia Investment, Finance, and Trade (LIFT) Loan Credit.
The bustling commercial hub of Ganta – often called Liberia’s “Gateway City” due to its strategic position near the borders with Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire – had been gripped by frustration in recent days.
Dozens of local traders, many operating small shops selling everything from foodstuffs to electronics, gathered in front of DMI’s branch on Ganta’s main street.
They accused the institution of hoarding LIFT funds and engaging in selective distribution, claims that fueled chants, placards, and heated exchanges with staff.
Such unrest highlights the vulnerabilities in Liberia’s informal business sector, where microfinance plays a critical role in supporting entrepreneurs amid economic challenges like inflation and limited access to capital.
Addressing reporters at a packed press conference in a community hall in central Ganta, Acting Project Coordinator for the LIFT initiative at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Julius Saye Keh-Nel, clarified the facts. “
The World Bank’s LIFT Loan Credit – a US$6 million facility designed to empower small and medium enterprises across Liberia – has not yet been disbursed to any financial institutions,” he stated firmly.
Keh-Nel emphasized that the funds, sourced from the World Bank and partner organizations, are slated to arrive in early February 2026.
He assured the public that distribution would be transparent and inclusive, not conducted “behind closed doors.
“Keh-Nel praised the mediation process, noting it restored calm in a town where business disruptions could ripple through supply chains linking Liberia to its West African neighbors.’’
“We’re collaborating with DMI, other microfinance institutions, and commercial banks nationwide,” he added. “Once the funds arrive, we’ll keep everyone informed through public announcements and open application processes.’’
Massa Kamara Sabra, Head of Communications for the Ganta Business Community, echoed the call for better information flow.
Representing a coalition of over 200 local traders, Sabra admitted the protest stemmed from “misinformation circulating from external sources and a frustrating communication gap with DMI.”
She recounted how community members had been asked to deposit personal funds with DMI in anticipation of LIFT loans, only to learn later that no such disbursements had occurred. “We acted out of desperation, but now we see it was based on false hopes,” Sabra said, urging DMI to prioritize proactive updates in the future.
Diaconia issues an official public statement to debunk false rumors about its LIFT Loan facility, a World Bank supported program aimed at promoting inclusive finance in Liberia.
DMI micro financial institution disclosed that the LIFT Loan focus on three component including on- lending program not a Grant or fee money, loan go only to eligible clients who pass strict credit assessment and no upfront payment are required to apply approvals from DMDI standard and third, the organization warns that it will not tolerate misinformation harming its reputation and call on the public to ignore false claims as the financial institution DMDI encourage direct inquiries for accurate information.
Lance Gonlakpor Kennedy, DMI’s Group Head for Business Development, welcomed the peaceful outcome with visible relief. Standing amid handshakes and group photos at the press conference, he reaffirmed his institution’s mission.
“DMI is committed to empowering Liberians, especially Nimbaans and the Ganta business community, through accessible financial products,” Kennedy pledged.
“Our doors remain open, and we’ll work hand-in-hand to support your growth.” LBA President James M. Strother rounded out the event by commending the Boakai- Koung administration’s pro-business stance. “
This government, under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, is dedicated to uplifting businesses in all 15 counties,” he boasted.
Strother highlighted ongoing partnerships to integrate the private sector into national empowerment programs, drawing parallels to past successes in stabilizing markets post-Ebola and during the COVID-19 recovery.
The settlement not only quelled immediate tensions but also sets a precedent for resolving future disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
