Gbarnga, Bong County—Tensions are rising in Bong County as marketers find themselves caught in a dispute over whether to remain at the old Gbarnga Central Market or relocate to the newly constructed Sirleaf Market. The situation escalated on Tuesday morning when a group of aggrieved marketers took to the streets, blocking the Jor Bridge in protest.
By Patrick Stephen Tokpah, Bong County
The protesters, frustrated by what they perceive as unfair treatment, demanded that all vendors still operating at the old market be removed. Their anger stems from an incident in which Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Varpliah ordered the demolition of their tables, while others were allowed to continue selling at the old site instead of moving to the new market.
In response to the protest, Bong County Police Commander Fasu V. Sheriff and County Administrative Officer Sam Elliott intervened, urging the protesters to remove the roadblock. They assured the marketers that they would contact local authorities and members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, including Senator Prince K. Moye and Representative J. Marvin Cole, to mediate the conflict.
Commander Sheriff and Officer Elliott requested the protesters to give them three days to reach out to the relevant authorities and address the situation. The aggrieved marketers agreed to the three-day ultimatum but warned that if their concerns were not resolved within that time, they would resume their protest until the county leadership provided a satisfactory resolution.
This controversy comes after local authorities, including the Superintendent and the Office of the Mayor of Gbarnga, along with the Liberia Marketing Superintendent, announced in June that the newly constructed Gbarnga Central Market would become operational by the end of August. Although the market was officially dedicated on June 19, 2024, its opening to the public was delayed due to technical issues, leading Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who oversees markets nationwide, to request an extension.
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