Liberian Entrepreneur Musa Sharif Opens Green International Gas Station in Garnerville

By: George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – A Liberian businessman, Musa Sharif on Monday officially opened Green International Gas Station along the Somalia Drive, Garnerville Supermarket area.

The newly opened gas station, which Mr. Sharif described as a “mega investment,” is wholly Liberian-owned, at a time when the petroleum retail sector in Liberia has largely been dominated by foreign operators. The facility is expected to operate on a 24-hour basis and provide residents along the Somalia Drive corridor with access to clean and quality petroleum products.

Speaking to a cross-section of journalists during the opening ceremony, Hon. Sharif expressed pride and excitement over the investment, noting that many Liberians have long believed that government employment is the only pathway to success.

“I am very happy and elated as a Liberian to engage in this type of activity,” Sharif said. “Many people in this country believe the only way to become successful is through government jobs. That mindset is one of our major problems as a people.”

He emphasized that Liberians can achieve success through private enterprise, stressing that what the private sector needs is encouragement and an enabling environment from government, rather than direct control.

Sharif said the establishment of the gas station is intended not only to serve motorists and residents, but also to demonstrate that Liberians can compete meaningfully in major economic sectors.

“This investment is here so our people can have access to clean and quality petroleum,” he stated.

Addressing questions on expansion plans, Sharif disclosed that Green International Gas Station is part of a broader decentralization strategy, with plans already underway to establish similar facilities across several counties.

“We have a blueprint to take this investment across Liberia,” he said. “We have already secured land in different areas to make sure this business cuts across the country.”

He explained that the choice of location along the Somalia Drive, also known as the Japanese Highway, was deliberate, citing limited economic activity in the area.

“You don’t see many activities along this corridor,” Sharif noted. “That is why we brought this station here, to bring light and development to this area.”

On government involvement, Sharif clarified that the project was not funded by the government but was encouraged by state institutions, particularly the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director.

He commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for providing an enabling environment and paid special tribute to LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh for motivating Liberians to invest in the petroleum sector.

“Mr. Amos Tweh has strongly encouraged Liberians to get involved in this business,” Sharif said. “He emphasized that as petroleum importers, Liberians should own verifiable gas stations of their own. We give him a lot of credit for encouraging Liberians to invest.”

Sharif further explained that the encouragement from LPRC has helped reduce overdependence on foreign-owned entities that import fuel, sell to LPRC, and compete aggressively on pricing without long-term commitment to the country.

Responding to questions about government financing, Sharif was categorical that no public funds were used for the investment.

“The government did not give us money,” he said. “They only encouraged us to invest. When you invest in your country, you develop empathy for the country and you want to stay.”

He argued that private investments like his help stabilize the country by creating employment and reducing political pressure on government.

The Green International Gas Station complex also includes a mini-mart, pharmacy, foreign exchange bureau, and spare parts outlet. According to Sharif, the project has already created employment for more than 25 Liberians.

“We have taken about 25 people off the back of the government,” he said. “These young people will now focus on making a living, not politics.”

Sharif used the occasion to call on the government to deepen its support for the private sector, especially Liberian-owned businesses, noting that access to capital remains a major challenge.

“Our lending rates are too high,” he lamented. “When you lend a Liberian money at 14 to 25 percent, you are telling that person they will not succeed.”

He urged the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to invest more deliberately in Liberian entrepreneurs, saying a strong private sector would ease pressure on government and create sustainable employment.

Sharif also thanked members of the media for their role as watchdogs and partners in national development.

“The press is the balance of society,” he said. “Without you, many things will not be known.”

The opening of Green International Gas Station marks one of the latest efforts by a Liberian-owned enterprise to penetrate the petroleum retail market, and is being viewed by observers as a positive signal for increased local participation in strategic sectors of the economy.