Insight

• Infinity Media
• 5 Min Read

Top 10 Richest Men In River Cess County, Liberia

River Cess County, one of Liberia's lesser-known regions, has historically been perceived as rural and underdeveloped. However, over the years, certain individuals have emerged as influential figures—either through business, political leadership, or community development—contributing significantly to the growth of the county. While accurate financial figures are hard to obtain due to limited public disclosures, this article highlights the top 10 richest and most influential men in River Cess County based on their economic contributions, land ownership, and impact on development.

1. Mohammed M. Keita

Mohammed M. Keita is a well-known entrepreneur from the ITI community in River Cess County. His wealth primarily stems from his large-scale agricultural ventures, particularly in the pineapple and citrus fruit sectors. Keita owns several acres of farmland and employs a significant number of locals, contributing to the local economy.

Despite the devastating flood that destroyed parts of his agricultural estate, Keita’s resilience and commitment to rebuilding have showcased his status as a top investor in the region. He also engages in trading agricultural produce along the Cestos River, making him one of the most prominent private sector players in River Cess.

2. Steve Tequah

Steve Tequah is recognized not just for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic efforts, especially in the area of infrastructure development. Tequah made headlines when he pledged to pave several roads in River Cess, including the main road to St. Francis Hospital and other key community access routes.

While road construction may not directly reflect individual wealth, the scale of investment required suggests substantial financial capacity. Tequah’s impact is also felt in the construction industry, where he provides jobs and business opportunities for local contractors.

3. Eliza D.J. Kroyahn

Although a woman, Eliza D.J. Kroyahn deserves special mention for her economic influence, which also reflects on her male associates and family in the region. She owns EJ&J Logging Company, a major player in River Cess’s timber industry. Her business signed a five-year agreement with the Teekpeh/Ziadue Community Forest Management Body to extract logs from designated areas.

Despite some criticisms over unmet corporate responsibilities, Kroyahn’s logging operations generate substantial revenue and create employment for many locals. Her role in this male-dominated industry has carved a space for economic leadership linked to River Cess.

4. Bill Twehway

Bill Twehway, the Managing Director of Liberia’s National Port Authority (NPA), is a political figure with strong roots in River Cess. He has spearheaded multiple community development projects in the county under his Gbehkugbeh Development Initiative.

Twehway’s pro-poor housing project stands out, involving the construction of 30 housing units, schools, and water supply systems in Yarpleh and Logan towns. His ability to marshal state resources for local development demonstrates significant financial influence and administrative power.

5. Byron Zahnwhea

As the Superintendent of River Cess County, Byron Zahnwhea plays a crucial role in shaping the county’s development agenda. His influence spans both the public and private sectors. In recent times, Zahnwhea has taken steps to regulate mining activities to ensure that community interests are protected.

Although his wealth is more political than entrepreneurial, his control over local development initiatives and budget allocations makes him one of the most powerful men in River Cess today.

6. Patrick Wlehduy

Patrick Wlehduy is the chief elder of Wesseh Town, a small but strategically important community in River Cess. While not a businessman in the conventional sense, his influence over land and local decision-making processes translates to significant power.

Wlehduy has been instrumental in community dialogues around illegal mining and environmental degradation. His standing allows him to negotiate land deals and receive financial benefits from external investors, indirectly contributing to his wealth.

7. Marie Gbodueh (Representing Community Wealth Holders)

Marie Gbodueh is part of a land management committee in River Cess that recently took steps to legitimize customary land ownership. While she may not be listed as an individual businessman, her role highlights how traditional landholding families in River Cess exercise financial control.

Families like Gbodueh’s derive wealth through land leases to logging and mining companies. In many cases, the male heads of these families wield economic power by managing income from such agreements.

8. Richard Sambolah

Richard Sambolah is an environmental conservationist with the Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment. He has been a vocal critic of unsustainable mining and dredging along the Cestos River, raising awareness about long-term ecological damage.

While Sambolah’s wealth is not rooted in business, his position enables him to secure funding from international NGOs and donors. His access to grants and project funds makes him one of the economically empowered individuals in the civil society landscape of River Cess.

9. Christopher Minikon

Though deceased, Christopher Minikon remains one of the most revered figures connected to River Cess. Born in nearby Grand Cess (now in Grand Kru County), Minikon was a distinguished diplomat, professor, and businessman. He served in various government positions and taught at the University of Liberia.

His legacy includes investments in education and property that have benefited relatives and communities in River Cess. The Minikon name continues to command respect, and his estates still yield influence and value.

10. Stephen A. Tolbert

Stephen A. Tolbert, co-founder of the Mesurado Group of Companies, had business interests across Liberia, including River Cess. As the brother of former Liberian President William R. Tolbert Jr., Stephen was one of Liberia’s earliest millionaires.

His fishing and canning businesses extended along Liberia’s coastline, including the Cestos River. Though he operated mostly from Monrovia, his investments in resource-rich counties like River Cess ensured sustained revenue generation, employment, and community partnerships.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in River Cess County

Conclusion

River Cess County is gradually shedding its image as a remote, underdeveloped region of Liberia. Thanks to the efforts and investments of these influential individuals, the county is witnessing growth in agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and environmental sustainability. While many of these men operate behind the scenes, their contributions are shaping the future of River Cess, making it a region to watch in Liberia’s development landscape.

As Liberia continues to decentralize development and empower local actors, counties like River Cess will increasingly rely on such influential figures to drive progress and uplift communities. Their stories are a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of local leadership.