By Stephen N. Tokpah
The Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Aaron G.V. Juaquellie, says he has vehemently withdrawn his decision to far lawsuits against Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Varpilah.
Mr. Juaquellie recently threatened to take legal action against the city government headed by Gallah Varpilah if he (Varpilah) halted Sunday selling activities at the Gbarnga Sunday Market in the Bassa Community.
In late December 2024, Mayor Varpilah announced that Sunday selling would be prohibited beginning in January 2025.
This announcement was challenged by Mr. Juaquellie, who contended that such a decision required legal justification.
Mr. Juaquellie criticized the Mayor’s decision as abrupt and poorly executed, leaving vendors and residents in a state of disarray.
He emphasized the need for officials to act within the bounds of the law and prioritize the rights and welfare of local sellers.
However, Gbarnga City authorities and stakeholders, including the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) and rights activists on January 9, 2025, agreed to new measures to balance economic activities and sanitation, limiting Sunday market hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In a bid to address concerns surrounding Sunday selling activities, Sam Baryougah Elliott, Bong County Administrative Officer convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including representatives of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) and rights activists, Aaron G.V Juaquellie.
Mr. Juaquellie said during the discussion, participants reached several agreements to balance economic activity with cleanliness and order in the city.
According to Aaron G.V Juaquellie, the Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity FIND, vendors are permitted to sell from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at their respective markets on Sundays, and all selling activities must cease after 10 a.m. in Gbarnga.
He noted that the Liberia Marketing Association was tasked with ensuring that all debris and garbage generated by vendors are collected, packed, and made available for collection by the city corporation.
The stakeholder’s dialogue meeting attendees also agreed that a committee, chaired by Mayor Gallah Varpilah, will be formed to assess and refine the Sunday selling process.
The committee will report its findings to the superintendent’s office on January 16, 2025, after which the public will be informed of further steps.
Juaquellie emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that they are intended to strike a balance between supporting the livelihood of vendors and maintaining the cleanliness of the city.
The city authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving collaboration with vendors while ensuring that public health and environmental standards are upheld.
