By: Emmanuel Koffa
Members of the Grand Kru County Marketing Association on Sunday, March 8, 2026 staged a peaceful protest against a sharp increase in market-related fees affecting traders across the county.
The protesting marketers expressed concern over what they described as a significant increment in the market table registration fee and daily ticket charges imposed by their leadership.
According to the marketers, the registration fee for a market table has been increased from 700 Liberian Dollars to 2,000 Liberian Dollars, while the daily market ticket has also risen from 20 Liberian Dollars to 50 Liberian Dollars.
The traders said the new charges are too high for many small-scale business people who rely on daily sales to support their families. They argued that the increase places an unfair burden on marketers who are already struggling with economic challenges.
Some of the protesters further described the new fee structure as unjustified, alleging that the sudden increase raises concerns about possible corruption within the system. As a result, they are calling on the county authority of Grand Kru County to intervene and engage the leadership of the marketers’ association to address the situation.
The protesters marched peacefully while appealing for dialogue and a review of the new fee policy.
In response, county authorities assured the marketers that they would look into the matter and work with the association’s leadership to find a solution to the concerns raised.
Officials indicated that efforts would be made to ensure that the issue is addressed in a way that balances the interests of both the marketers and the administration of the markets.
The situation remains under discussion as marketers await further action from county authorities regarding the controversial fee increase.