Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to lessen financial hardship and improve trading conditions, the Government of Liberia announced a significant economic relief plan for thousands of Liberian market women. Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung made the announcement on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during the induction ceremony of newly elected officials of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) in Monrovia.
He also delivered President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s message of support to petty traders and small business women. Vice President Koung said the government’s proposed loan program is intended to relieve market women of dependence on high-interest, exploitative informal lenders who still keep many traders in debt cycles.
He emphasized that for the program to be sustainable and eventually enable more women to benefit, beneficiaries must make sure that repayments are made on time. In addition to providing financial assistance, the government intends to carry out significant modernization and refurbishment projects in some of Liberia’s busiest commercial hubs, such as Waterside, Redemption, Rally Town, Gardnerville, and Omega markets.
The Vice President stated that while talks with development partners are continuing to assist the complete transformation of the Omega Market, the planned improvement will focus on increasing sanitation, safety, and the general business environment for traders. In order to lower post-harvest losses and increase merchant profitability, he also noted the long-standing issue of inadequate storage facilities, particularly for perishable items, and described it as a major issue the government plans to address.
Calling for unity within the Liberia Marketing Association, Koung emphasized that organized leadership is essential to accomplishing long-lasting improvements and asked the incoming leadership to improve cooperation and governance within the organization.
The Vice President stated that the government is still firmly committed to promoting the welfare of market women, whom he referred to as the foundation of Liberia’s local economy, as he reflected on his own experience as an LMA member.
Officials inducted into office include Madam Lusu Sloan-Crawford as President, Olady Sneh as Vice President, Patrick N. Sarti as Secretary General, Patrick K. Jolo as Assistant Secretary General, and Ida T. Duah as Chaplain.
Local Government Minister Francis Nyumalin, who also spoke at the occasion, praised the new leadership and urged inclusive engagement and reconciliation with all parties involved, including candidates who competed in the most recent elections, for the benefit of the Association and the nation.
Photo credit: VP Office Media
Reported by: Prince Saah
