By: Uriah Suah
Ganta, Nimba County — Business owners in Ganta have issued a strong warning to foreign nationals, particularly Indian traders, to refrain from engaging in retail activities, citing growing pressure on local businesses.
The Ganta Business Association says the increasing presence of foreign retailers is making it harder for Liberian-owned businesses to survive. According to the group, foreign traders are gradually taking over the retail sector while driving shop rental prices to levels many locals can no longer afford. “We will not accept becoming strangers in our own country,” members of the association said in a statement. “Liberians must be given the opportunity to grow their own businesses without unfair competition.”
The group is calling on the government to enforce existing trade regulations, which they believe are intended to protect small Liberian businesses from foreign dominance in the retail sector.
They also warned that if authorities fail to act, local business owners may take matters into their own hands, including shutting down shops operated by foreign retailers.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions around business ownership and economic opportunities, as many Liberians continue to face difficult economic conditions. Government officials are yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised by the Ganta Business Association.
