By Emmanuel Koffa
Reports of growing economic challenges in Barclayville City, Grand Kru County, have taken a heavy toll on petty traders, prompting calls for urgent government intervention to rescue struggling local businesses.
Madam Linda Dweh, a resident and small-scale food and drinks seller in Barclayville, says doing business in the city has become increasingly difficult.
Madam Dweh attributed the situation to low income levels, and limited job opportunities, which she said, continue to weaken consumers’ purchasing power.
She said many traders now operate at a loss, often unable to regain their daily capital due to slow sales and poor money circulation in the community.
“Small businesses that once sustained families, are now barely surviving under harsh economic conditions.”
Madam Dweh believes the situation reflects a broader neglect of rural economies.
She has meanwhile called on the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus, and the national government to adopt policies that directly support grassroots entrepreneurs.
She identified poor road infrastructure as a major obstacle, noting that bad roads restrict movement, increase transportation costs, and limit access to markets, further discouraging business growth in the county.
Madam Dweh also stressed the need for targeted empowerment programs, including access to microcredit and practical business support, to help traders rebuild their capital and remain operational.
She warned that without deliberate investment in infrastructure, job creation, and small business support, economic hardship will continue to deepen, pushing more families into poverty.
Madam Dweh, has therefore appealed to policymakers to take decisive action that would strengthen local businesses to improve livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth in the county.