Liberia central bank appoints the president's son as its governor

The board of Liberia’s central bank has elected son of president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as its interim governor.

Charles Sirleaf who served as the deputy governor of the bank has worked for the bank for 12 years.

He takes over from Joseph Mills Jones who left to prepare his candidacy for the country’s presidential elections slated for 2017.

A source close to the presidency confirmed the temporary appointment, without giving an indication of how long he would remain.

President Ellen Sirleaf has faced growing criticism over her appointment of family members and close allies to key posts, a move seen as a plan to consolidate her position in the presidency.

“This appointment is unfair. It is not about qualifications, but about expediency,” said Emmanuel Gonquoi, a political commentator.

However, central bank officials stressed that Charles Sirleaf was a suitable choice.