MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) says it requires the emergency printing of at least fourteen billion Liberian dollars, out of a proposed seventy-nine billion, to address growing economic challenges.

The CBL Director for Banking, William Jlopleh, says the move is critical to safeguarding the economy and ensuring the steady circulation of local banknotes.

According to him, most of the Liberian dollar banknotes printed in recent years have become severely mutilated, warning that failure to act urgently could negatively impact the economy.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank is calling on the National Legislature to give serious consideration to the request, citing the need to improve operational efficiency and meet the increasing demand for cash.

Initially, the Bank proposed the printing of up to seventy-nine billion Liberian dollars to replace damaged banknotes, strengthen financial buffers, and support its gold purchasing program.