By Jacob Kermue
0888809944 / 0775187091
(Gbarnga-Bong County ) Market women in Gbarnga took to the streets on Wednesday, November 27, demanding changes in the local market situation.
The protest marked the third time they voiced their frustrations over vendors continuing to sell at the old market location despite previous agreements.
On Wednesday morning, the aggrieved market women marched to the Gbarnga Administration Building, blocking access to Superintendent Hawa Norris’s office and demanding immediate action.
The conflict arose when some vendors were allowed to remain at the old market site, while others were ordered to move to the new market. This created feelings of unfair treatment among the vendors. The protesters demanded the removal of those still selling at the old site.
One of the protesters voiced her frustration, stating, “City Mayor Gallah Varpilah ordered the demolition of our tables so we could move to the new market, but others were allowed to continue selling at the old site instead.” Many of the women shared similar feelings of injustice during the protest.
Since the Liberia Marketing Association instructed vendors to relocate, many have struggled to sell their goods at the new market. The women have found it difficult to attract customers and sustain their businesses.
The protesters also accused Senator Prince Kermue Moye of exacerbating the issue by allowing some vendors to return to the old market. They argued that his decision created disunity and increased competition, further hindering their ability to succeed.
The market women warned that if their concerns were not addressed promptly, they would have no choice but to return to the old market with their goods, potentially escalating the situation further.
In response to the protest, local authorities, including Bong County Police Commander Fasu Sheriff and City Mayor Gallah Varpilah, held an urgent meeting with the protest leaders.
The officials urged the women to leave the administration grounds while they worked to address the issues. Local leaders assured the protesters that they would discuss the matter with members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus and other stakeholders to mediate the conflict.
Following the discussions, the market women agreed to give the authorities three days to resolve their concerns. A mediation session was scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Bong County, aiming to bring all parties together to find an acceptable solution.
The protests stemmed from earlier announcements about relocating vendors to the new Gbarnga Central Market, which was intended to start operations in August. However, technical delays hindered its opening.
Although the market was officially dedicated on June 19, 2024, Vice President Jeremiah Koung requested an extension due to these delays, leaving the vendors in limbo and exacerbating frustrations.
The ongoing tensions in Gbarnga underscore the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation between vendors and local authorities. All parties hope for a fair resolution that benefits everyone involved.
