On the local markets, despite the government dismissing reports of a shortage of Rice for more than a week, retailers have been scrambling at distribution centers in Monrovia for supplies that are not available nor are being gathered for an eventual hike in price.
Rice is termed a Political commodity in the Country and its shortage led to the infamous 1979 Rice Riot that turned bloody in the streets of Monrovia and subsequently led to the overthrow of former Liberia President William R Tolbert Jr. on April twelve 1980.
A twenty-five KG beg of rice is sold in Monrovia for at least US$13 to US$14 dollars, importers are controlling sales with local retailers, particularly marketers complaining of discrimination characterized by running battles between police and protesters in the District # 16 Bushrod Island.
On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, several market women of District #16 involved in the retail sale of rice expressed their frustration and disappointment over the situation and called on the government of Liberia for intervention.
Meanwhile, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, President George Weah led an array of government officials at the Freeport of Monrovia, particularly at the wheelhouse of rice to observe and put under control the issues of shortages of rice.
The officials of government include Minister of Finance and Development Planning Samuel Twah, Minister of State of Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill, and Commerce and Industry Minister Mawine Diggs among others.
Remarking, President Weah assured the Public that there are no shortages of rice in the Country and said there is enough rice out for the next months. The Liberian leader at the same time blamed the Media for providing false information to the public.
Photocredit: Executive Mansion
Reporter: Darius Karnga
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