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 Tuesday morning (September 3) when a group of aggrieved marketers took to the streets, blocking the Bridge in protest. The protesters, frustrated by what they perceive as unfair treatment, demanded that all vendors still operating at the old market be removed. Their anger stemmed 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. The situation has drawn the attention of political observers in Bong County, with some accusing Senator Prince Moye of undermining the efforts of Gbarnga City Mayor Varpliah and Superintendent Hawa Norris. Reportedly, following the demolition of the Old Gbarnga Central Market by the Gbarnga City Corporation on July 28, 2024, Senator Moye allegedly instructed the marketers to return to the old market on July 29, after a large-scale protest by the vendors. 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. By Patrick Stephen Tokpah, Bong County/The Liberian Investigator
