Insight

• Infinity Media
• 6 Min Read

Maryland County Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men From Maryland County, Liberia

Maryland County in southeastern Liberia is widely known for its rich natural resources, historical relevance, and exceptional citizens who have risen to prominence nationally and internationally. While its past is filled with towering historical figures, this post focuses solely on living individuals who continue to impact Liberia’s political, financial, and social landscape.

These men have earned their place through outstanding contributions in public service, economic development, international diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. They not only represent the wealth of Maryland County but also the strength of Liberia’s future.

1. Gyude Moore – Infrastructure Policy Expert and Global Development Strategist

William Gyude Moore is one of Liberia’s most respected policy analysts and technocrats. A former Minister of Public Works under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Moore is widely credited for his technical leadership on infrastructure development during a critical period in Liberia's postwar recovery.

After public service, he joined the Center for Global Development (CGD), where he works on global economic strategies, Africa-China relations, and development policies.

Wealth & Influence:
Moore's wealth comes from international consulting, fellowships, and executive advisory roles in international development. His thought leadership is respected across Africa and beyond.

2. Samuel D. Tweah Jr. – Economist and Former Finance Minister

Samuel D. Tweah Jr. is a well-known economist and public finance expert from Maryland County. He served as Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning from 2018 to 2024 under President George Weah. During his tenure, he focused on fiscal policy, wage harmonization, and donor relations.

Despite mixed public reviews and controversy surrounding U.S. sanctions in 2023, Tweah remains a powerful figure in Liberian economic and political discourse.

Wealth & Influence:
Tweah is considered financially powerful due to his positions in government, policy networks, and possible investments and assets gained during his tenure.

3. Winston A. Tubman – International Lawyer and Diplomat

Winston A. Tubman, nephew of former President William V.S. Tubman, is a veteran diplomat, lawyer, and former presidential contender. He has held several top posts, including Minister of Justice, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia.

With a law degree from Harvard and international assignments spanning decades, Tubman is one of Liberia’s most highly educated and experienced public figures.

Wealth & Influence:
Tubman’s wealth stems from decades of diplomatic service, legal consultancy, international pensions, and his family’s landholdings.

4. Jonathan Sogbie – Senator and Former Football Star

Jonathan "Boy Charles" Sogbie is a former Liberian international footballer turned politician. He was elected Senator representing River Gee County, but he hails originally from Maryland County. Sogbie played professionally in Europe and the U.S. before returning to Liberia to participate in politics and youth development.

As a lawmaker, he is known for championing transparency, youth empowerment, and education reforms.

Wealth & Influence:
Sogbie's income comes from his professional football career, investments, and public office. He’s also recognized for funding grassroots sports initiatives.

5. Dr. Julius S. Nelson – University Administrator and Educator

Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson, President of the University of Liberia, is a prominent Maryland native. A theologian and academic leader, Dr. Nelson has served in various roles within the University of Liberia and the United Methodist Church. His contributions to Liberia’s educational sector are widely acknowledged.

Wealth & Influence:
While not ostentatiously wealthy, Dr. Nelson wields intellectual and institutional power. His influence lies in educational policy, administration, and mentorship of thousands of Liberians.

6. Augustine Ngafuan – Diplomat, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, though originally from Gbarpolu, has strong Maryland County lineage through marriage and family ties. He served as Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and was a 2017 presidential aspirant.

He is well respected for his academic brilliance (Harvard graduate) and diplomatic competence. He later worked with international organizations including the African Development Bank.

Wealth & Influence:
Ngafuan has earned significant financial standing through public service, consultancy, and international appointments.

7. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa – Speaker of the House of Representatives

J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives as of 2024, is one of the most powerful politicians from southeastern Liberia. Though he represents Grand Kru County, his maternal roots trace back to Maryland. A U.S.-trained lawyer, Koffa once served as Minister of State Without Portfolio and headed the Special Presidential Task Force against corruption.

His political rise is marked by strategic alliances, legislative impact, and party leadership.

Wealth & Influence:
Cllr. Koffa has built wealth through legal practice, public appointments, and real estate. His influence is unmatched in national legislation today.

8. Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah – Minister of Health

Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, Liberia’s Minister of Health, though often associated with Monrovia, has maternal ties to Maryland County. She led Liberia’s COVID-19 response with notable calm and organization.

As a seasoned physician and administrator, Dr. Jallah has expanded health services, championed immunization, and coordinated with global health partners.

Wealth & Influence:
She has accumulated wealth through private practice, NGO partnerships, and ministerial responsibilities. Her influence in public health is nation-wide.

9. James Kollie – Maritime and Public Finance Expert

Dr. James F. Kollie Jr. is a respected technocrat who has served as Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority and Deputy Minister of Finance for Fiscal Affairs. He has strong family roots in Maryland County.

His reforms helped digitize financial systems in government and position Liberia’s maritime program as a regional model.

Wealth & Influence:
Kollie’s wealth is believed to be derived from maritime consultancy, private investments, and national appointments.

10. Dr. Moses Zinnah – Agricultural Economist and Educator

Dr. Moses Zinnah is a leading figure in Liberia’s agricultural policy and rural development. He served as Minister of Agriculture and is a former Dean at Cuttington University. A Maryland native, Dr. Zinnah’s research has contributed to food security, rural empowerment, and youth agricultural training.

Wealth & Influence:
His wealth is rooted in international grants, academic consultancies, and agricultural projects. He remains influential among donor circles and local cooperatives.

Summary Table: Top 10 Living Richest and Most Influential Maryland County Indigenes

Conclusion

The living icons of Maryland County, Liberia, are leading lights in various fields—finance, education, politics, health, and diplomacy. These individuals showcase the brilliance and resilience of southeastern Liberia. Their careers are benchmarks for young Liberians aspiring to make a difference.

While some hail directly from Maryland County and others have maternal or ancestral links, their collective impact reaffirms the county’s role in shaping Liberia’s modern identity. These men continue to influence policies, educate future leaders, and build institutions that serve Liberia for generations to come.