By Moses J. Dawoe
/Southeast Correspondent
Tensions are mounting at the Harper General Market as a group of dissatisfied traders, operating under the banner Harper Concerned Marketeers of the Harper General Market Association, have voiced strong opposition to recent policy changes introduced by the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) under the leadership of Maryland County Superintendent Abraham Wilson.
In a formal press release issued over the weekend, the group accused Supt. Wilson of making unilateral decisions that are adversely affecting their businesses.
“We are officially complaining against Mr. Abraham Wilson, the Superintendent of the Maryland chapter of the LMA General Market, for unilateral decisions made against members of the Harper Market,” the statement read.
These decisions are significantly affecting us as members of the Harper General Market Association.
A major concern among their grievances is the recent hike in market fees.
Daily ticket fees have reportedly increased from LR$20 to LR$50, while table registration fees have jumped from LR$700 to LR$2,000.
The marketeers claim these changes are economically burdensome and were implemented without proper consultations.
The group has signaled intentions to stage a go-slow or protest in the coming days in a bid to draw the attention of national authorities to their plight.
They have also declared a halt to all LMA-related fee payments until the matter is resolved.
The concerned marketeers outlined seven key allegations against Mr. Wilson, ranging from financial mismanagement to overlapping functions and a lack of transparency in leadership.
These grievances follow the announcement of new national LMA policies issued on April 19, 2025.
In response to the uproar, Mr. Wilson defended the new fees, stating that the adjustments were decisions made collectively during the national convention of the Liberia Marketing Association.
According to him, representatives from nine counties voted to adopt the new rates for daily tickets and annual table registrations.
“The decision to increase fees was not mine alone,” Mr. Wilson stated. “It was reached through a democratic process during the LMA national convention.
As part of a national body, Maryland must align with these policies.”
He further clarified the structure of leadership appointments within the LMA, noting that county-level General Market Superintendents are appointed by the LMA headquarters in coordination with its Advisory Board.
These superintendents then appoint local market leaders, ensuring consistency in administrative structure across counties.
Mr. Wilson also rejected allegations of overstepping boundaries in his leadership role and disclosed that a team of senior LMA officials is expected to arrive in Maryland shortly to engage stakeholders and clarify the national policy resolutions.
As the standoff looms, market activities in Harper may face disruption in the days ahead, with traders calling for immediate dialogue and intervention from higher LMA’s authorities and the national government.
