By Solomon T. Gaye
-Nimba
The Ministry of Commerce inspection team has closed down several business centers in Gompa, in the wake of a nationwide inspection underway in the country.
Speaking to the press, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Marthaline Dakoseh, confirmed the closure of the affected businesses because they were caught in violation of the ministry’s regulation.
According to Minister Dakoseh, some of the business centers were closed for various breaches ranging from inflation of the commodity prices, tax compliance, failure to regularize their status as legal business entities, among others.
“The inspection exercise is reportedly ongoing in Gompa, Sanniquellie, Loguatuo, Karnplay, and in other counties,” Minister Dakoseh, pointed out.
Meanwhile, the minister has warned the MOC County Inspector, Billy Fehn, to make sure that the business centers that were ordered closed pay the required fines into government revenue before attempting to reopen.
“Those business centers that were closed down will pay their fines that are in various categories to LRA before reopening their areas.”
“Let me tell you all my inspectors here, anybody who opens any of the business centers ordered closed without paying the fines imposed on them, will bear the full weight of the law,” Minister Dakoseh sternly warned.
Gompa is among some of the fast growing cities with huge business centers headed by various nationals, but it remains unclear weather these businesses or centers are paying the required tax into the government revenue in line with the constitution.
Since the beginning of 2025, the alleged smuggling of petroleum products, rice, cement, and other commodities through the main Gompa border have become the order of the day in the county.
The Ministry of Commerce on February 19, 2025, launched a nationwide inspection in Gompa under the watchful eyes of some local authorities in the county.
The MOC inspection exercise led to the closure of over 25 business centers in Gompa, according to authoritative sources.
However, the public is eagerly watching to see how effective the closure ordered will be sustained and how the impact of the inspection exercise will impact the government’s revenue mobilization for inclusive development.