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Infinity Media
- 7 Min Read
Bong County Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Bong County, Liberia
Bong County, nestled in the heart of Liberia, is a region known for its lush agricultural lands, mineral resources, and vibrant communities. Despite Liberia’s economic challenges, including a history of civil conflict and widespread poverty, Bong County has emerged as a hub for wealth creation and economic activity. The county’s richest men, through their entrepreneurial ventures, political influence, and philanthropy, have played a pivotal role in shaping its economic landscape. This blog post delves into the lives of the top 10 richest men associated with Bong County, exploring their sources of wealth, their impact on the local economy, and their contributions to community development. From telecommunications moguls to agricultural pioneers, these individuals are driving progress in one of Liberia’s most dynamic regions.
1. Benoni Urey
Estimated Net Worth: $33 million
Benoni Urey stands as Liberia’s wealthiest individual, with significant influence in Bong County through his business ventures and philanthropy. Originally from Careysburg, Montserrado County, Urey’s agricultural enterprises, such as Wulki Farms I and II, extend their economic reach into Bong County, a key agricultural hub. His flagship company, Lonestar Communication Corporation, partnered with the MTN Group, dominates Liberia’s telecommunications sector, serving over 70% of the population and employing thousands. Urey’s real estate ventures through U-Housing have also developed properties in and around Bong County, boosting local infrastructure. His philanthropy, including funding for schools, hospitals, and community centers, has made him a beloved figure in the region. Urey’s ability to combine business acumen with social responsibility underscores his role as a transformative force in Bong County’s economy.
2. Joseph Boakai
Estimated Net Worth: $5–10 million
Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia’s current president and former vice president, has deep ties to Bong County through his political and business activities. Though born in Lofa County, Boakai’s agricultural ventures, including LUSU Resources Corporation and AGRO MACHINES, Liberia, have a significant presence in Bong County, where they support local farmers and promote mechanized farming. As a former Minister of Agriculture, Boakai has championed policies that enhance food security and rural development, directly benefiting Bong County’s agrarian communities. His political career, spanning decades, has also secured funding for infrastructure projects like roads and schools in the region. Boakai’s wealth, derived from his businesses and political appointments, positions him as a key driver of economic progress in Bong County.
3. Prince Yormie Johnson
Estimated Net Worth: $2–5 million
Prince Yormie Johnson, a senior senator from Nimba County, wields considerable influence in Bong County through his political clout and business investments. A controversial figure due to his role in the Liberian Civil War, Johnson has since transitioned into a prominent politician, chairing the Senate Committee on Defense. His wealth stems from real estate, local businesses, and political engagements. In Bong County, Johnson has supported community projects, including schools and health clinics, which have improved living standards. His ability to navigate Liberia’s political landscape and secure funding for regional development makes him a significant figure in Bong County’s economic ecosystem.
4. Charles Walker Brumskine
Estimated Net Worth: $1–3 million
Charles Walker Brumskine, a late Liberian politician and attorney, was a leading figure in the Liberty Party and a presidential candidate in 2005 and 2011. His influence in Bong County stemmed from his advocacy for democratic governance and economic reforms. Brumskine’s wealth was primarily derived from his successful law firm, which served high-profile clients across Liberia. His political campaigns emphasized infrastructure and education, with several initiatives implemented in Bong County, such as scholarship programs and community development projects. Although Brumskine passed away in 2021, his legacy continues to inspire progress in the region, particularly in fostering transparent governance.
5. Amos Claudius Sawyer
Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million
Amos Claudius Sawyer, a distinguished academic and former Interim President of Liberia (1990–1994), had a profound impact on Bong County through his governance and educational initiatives. Sawyer’s wealth was amassed through his academic career, political roles, and consultancy work, including his chairmanship of the Governance Reform Commission. His book, Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia, reflects his commitment to improving Liberia’s political and economic systems, with benefits felt in Bong County through enhanced educational facilities and governance reforms. Sawyer’s intellectual contributions continue to shape the county’s development trajectory.
6. Winston A. Tubman
Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million
Winston A. Tubman, a diplomat and politician, is linked to Bong County through his political activities and family legacy. As a former justice minister and presidential candidate for the Congress for Democratic Change, Tubman leveraged his diplomatic career, including roles at the United Nations, to build wealth. His uncle, William Tubman, Liberia’s longest-serving president, provided a foundation for Winston’s influence. In Bong County, Tubman has supported community development projects, including water and sanitation initiatives, which have improved quality of life. His wealth and connections make him a notable figure in the region’s economic landscape.
7. Samuel Dokie
Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million
Samuel Dokie, a prominent Liberian businessman, chairs Dokie & Son Inc., a company with interests in agriculture, logistics, and retail. Operating in Bong County, Dokie’s enterprises provide employment and support local farmers, contributing to the region’s agricultural economy. His investments in trade and logistics have facilitated the movement of goods, boosting local markets. Dokie’s philanthropy, including donations to schools and health facilities, has further solidified his reputation as a key economic player in Bong County.
8. Harry Varney Gboto-Nambi Sherman
Estimated Net Worth: $1.2 million
Harry Varney Gboto-Nambi Sherman, a former chairman of the Unity Party and a seasoned politician, has made significant contributions to Bong County through his legal practice and political activities. His wealth, estimated at $1.2 million in 2019, comes from his law firm and investments in real estate. Sherman’s political influence has secured funding for infrastructure projects in Bong County, such as roads and community centers, enhancing connectivity and social services. Despite controversies surrounding political inducements, his financial contributions remain impactful.
9. Robert Sirleaf
Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million
Robert Sirleaf, son of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has ties to Bong County through his business and political engagements. As former Chairman of the National Oil Company of Liberia (2012–2013), Robert amassed wealth through the oil sector and consultancy roles. His work has influenced Bong County through national economic policies that support agricultural and infrastructural development. Robert’s investments in real estate and his family’s political legacy further enhance his influence in the region.
10. Charles Sirleaf
Estimated Net Worth: $1–2 million
Charles Sirleaf, another son of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, served as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Liberia. His wealth is derived from his banking career and investments in finance and real estate. In Bong County, Charles’s influence is felt through economic policies that promote agricultural growth and community projects supported by his family’s political network. His contributions to local development, including health and education initiatives, underscore his role as a key figure in the county.
Economic Context of Bong County
Bong County is a cornerstone of Liberia’s economy, contributing significantly through agriculture and mining. The World Bank reported a 4.8% economic growth rate for Liberia in 2025, driven by these sectors. The county’s fertile lands support crops like rice, cassava, and rubber, while its mineral resources, including iron ore, attract investment. The richest men in Bong County have capitalized on these opportunities, with ventures like Urey’s telecommunications network and Boakai’s agricultural enterprises driving job creation and economic activity.
However, challenges such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty—over 80% of Liberians live below the poverty line—persist. The individuals listed here have played a dual role, leveraging their wealth to address these issues while navigating Liberia’s complex socio-political landscape. Their investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are critical to Bong County’s development, yet systemic challenges require sustained efforts.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Philanthropy is a common thread among Bong County’s wealthiest men. Benoni Urey’s funding for schools and hospitals, Joseph Boakai’s infrastructure projects, and Samuel Dokie’s support for local farmers exemplify how wealth is reinvested into the community. These efforts are vital in a region where access to basic services remains limited. For instance, Urey’s Lonestar Communication employs thousands, while Boakai’s agricultural initiatives empower rural communities, fostering economic resilience.
Challenges and Opportunities
The wealth of these men is not without controversy. Political influence, as seen with figures like Prince Yormie Johnson and Harry Sherman, often raises questions about transparency and accountability. Yet, their contributions to Bong County’s economy—through job creation, infrastructure, and philanthropy—cannot be overlooked. As Liberia continues to recover from its civil war and economic challenges, the role of these individuals in driving sustainable growth is crucial. Investments in technology, agriculture, and education will be key to unlocking Bong County’s full potential.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest men in Bong County, Liberia, represent a blend of entrepreneurial vision, political influence, and social responsibility. From Benoni Urey’s telecommunications empire to Joseph Boakai’s agricultural innovations, these individuals are shaping the county’s economic future. Their wealth, while significant, is often channeled into community development, addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. As Bong County navigates Liberia’s broader economic challenges, these men will continue to play a pivotal role in fostering growth, opportunity, and resilience in one of the nation’s most promising regions.
