“This is our means of survival,” Wonpea explained. “We have been doing this business with him, but the current economic situation has made things difficult.”
By: Victor Cooper
In a troubling development amidst a struggling economy, a Lebanese businessman in Ganta, Nimba County, has detained over 25 Liberian market women for allegedly mismanaging his business funds.
According to Oratha Wonpea, the head of the detained group, they have been selling raw fish provided by the businessman, Mr. Allee, since 2022. The women owe Mr. Allee who is the owner of Unity Incorporated Frozen Food over one million Liberian dollars.
“This is our means of survival,” Wonpea explained. “We have been doing this business with him, but the current economic situation has made things difficult.”
The women were detained on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Ganta police station following a complaint from Mr. Allee. After a police investigation, the women were found guilty of mismanaging the funds and are awaiting trial.
The detained market women are calling on the government to intervene on their behalf. Attempts to reach an understanding with Mr. Allee have so far been unsuccessful.
