The reported refusal of Liberia’s money to the U.S. Dollars has raised concerns among the customers. The situation is also raising question about the future motive of the owner, Simeon Freeman, a double presidential contestant. An investigation has uncovered that Consolidated Group Liberia, DSTV owned by businessman-and politician Simeon Freeman, is reportedly rejecting Liberian dollar. Though the country operates a dual currency system, trading also in United States Dollars, DN News’ fact-finding established that customers purchasing DSTV packages at Freeman’s Consolidated Group Liberia in Fiamah, Sinkor, are compelled to pay exclusively in U.S. Dollars. One DSTV sales agent bluntly told DN News reporters: “We do not accept Liberian Dollars here. If you have Liberian Dollars for the package, you will have to go to a bureau right behind here to buy USD.”The situation has left many customers stranded, forcing them to rely on nearby money exchangers. Our reporter confirmed that some customers are charged an extra fee of 50 Liberian Dollars for every US$5 equivalent when converting their money at the local bureau to obtain US Dollars. “When you go to the Bureau, you have to add LS50 on each US$5. So, the way L$1,000 is equal to US$5 right now, they will collect L$1,050 for US$5 in exchange,” one customer told DN News. When contacted, Hawa Farkollie, the General Manager of DSTV Liberia, confirmed receipt of DN News’ inquiry, but cited a busy schedule for her delayed response. In her initial reply, she did not deny the substance of the report. Mr. Freeman is the political leader of the opposition Movement for Progressive Change (MPC). He has twice contested for the presidency, but lost. His political ambition is once again raising eyebrows after revelations that his business enterprise rejects the very currency of the nation he seeks to govern. Meanwhile, political commentators are expressing deep concern. They argue that it is troubling for a man who aspires to the nation highest office to reject the Liberian Dollar — a currency that embodies country’s sovereignty and identity. “Currency is not just money; it represents national pride and economic independence,” one analyst told DN News. “If Simeon Freeman cannot respect and uphold the Liberian Dollar in his business, how can Liberians trust him to protect and promote the country economy as president?” The controversy raises wider debates about the use and treatment of the Liberian Dollar in commerce and whether political figures should be held to higher standards of economic nationalism. Source: DN News