Harper City, Maryland County – March 2: Tension is rising in Maryland County as hundreds of marketers, mainly women, staged a peaceful protest at the County Administrative Building in Harper, demanding the removal of County Market Superintendent, Mr. Abraham Wilson.
The protesters, drawn largely from the Harper and Pleebo markets, expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as years of neglect, poor sanitation, and continuous increases in market fees without any visible improvements. Carrying placards and chanting peacefully, they called on county authorities to urgently intervene.
Speaking on behalf of the marketers, Elizabeth Gonor, a vendor at the Pleebo General Market, outlined their grievances. She revealed that table registration fees increased from LRD 500 to LRD 2,000, while daily ticket fees rose from LRD 20 to LRD 50, placing a heavy financial burden on small-scale traders.
“These increases are seriously affecting us, especially small businesswomen,” Gonor said. “Yet when it rains, the market buildings still leak. There are no proper sanitation facilities, no electricity, and no visible improvements.”
Gonor further noted that some of the key structures currently in the Pleebo market were not built by the superintendent’s office. According to her, one structure was constructed by Tiah Nagbe during the 2023 elections, while another was built by the district’s representative. Despite these efforts, marketers insist that overall conditions remain poor and are questioning how funds collected over the past 15 years have been used.
In addition to concerns about infrastructure and fees, the protesters accused Mr. Wilson of lacking transparency and excluding marketers from national-level engagements. They alleged that he often attends national conventions alone, without including representatives from Maryland County, unlike his counterparts in other regions.
Responding to the allegations, Mr. Wilson defended his administration, stating that the fee increases were part of a nationwide policy decision adopted at the National General Convention in Voinjama, Lofa County. However, he acknowledged the growing tension between himself and the marketers.
“The only option now may be to invite people from Monrovia to collect these fees,” he stated, expressing frustration over the ongoing dispute. In a notable development, Mr. Wilson also indicated that he is willing to step down if it would help resolve the situation.
Meanwhile, Maryland County authorities have stepped in to prevent further escalation. Speaking on behalf of the administration, Hon. Henry Cole Jr. acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the matter peacefully.
Officials confirmed that a mediation meeting will soon be convened, bringing together representatives of the marketers, Mr. Wilson, and local authorities. The discussions will focus on fee adjustments, market conditions, and transparency in management, with the possibility of an internal review of financial and operational practices.
The county administration has called for calm, emphasizing that the market remains a critical source of livelihood for hundreds of families. As of now, both parties appear open to dialogue, raising cautious optimism for a peaceful and lasting resolution.
