GOMPA, Nimba – The political leader of the Alternative National Congress, Alexander B. Cummings, says he wants to open up the economy for all Liberians to benefit from.

Speaking at a brief program organized by the Voice of Nimba Movement for Development, Cummings likened the economy to a bowl of GB (Gaygba), the traditional meal eaten by the Mahn (Mano) and Dan (Gio) people of Nimba.

“I described this big word called economy as a bowl of GB that we all eat from,” he said. “And our goal is to grow that bowl so that everybody here can have access.”

Cummings said the first priority of leaders should be to care for their constituents.

“We who want to be leaders, it is good that we take care of the people first before we think about taking care of ourselves,” Cummings said.

Cummings is vying to be the next president of Liberia. With the elections set for October 10, 2017, at least 22 political parties are gearing to participate.

According to Cummings, when he becomes the next president of Liberia, he will restore the nation’s economy by investing in Liberia’s local entrepreneurs through programs that provide loans.

“Through this, we want Liberians not just to reduce poverty, but to create wealth,” he said, “So, our country will develop and that everyone will enjoy and benefit from the success and prosperity of our country.”

Liberia’s economy is heavily dominated by foreigners, likely due to limited financing options that locals have.

“This we want to overturn,” Cummings said. “We will change this country. We want to believe in time, and we will.”

Despite concern from the public that the ANC political leader is likely to be sidelined from contesting in the October 10 election due to possible violation of the Code of Conduct by holding a government appointed position less than two years before the elections, Cummings was officially elected as the party’s standard-bearer on a white ballot on April 12 in Sanniquellie.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah