By Gegee Brima
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Alternative National Congress (ANC) Youth League leader Alieu Kiadii has thrown his support behind Liberian businesswomen protesting high taxes and prolonged delays in clearing imported goods, describing their grievances as a reflection of mounting economic difficulties confronting traders and ordinary households.
Speaking at a press conference, Kiadii said the concerns raised by market women deserved serious attention from the government, arguing that the demonstrations represented broader calls for reforms in the country’s tax administration, trade procedures, and business environment.
He observed that small-scale traders, particularly women who depend on daily commercial activities for their livelihoods, are facing increasing financial pressure from taxation, rising operating costs, and delays in the movement and clearance of imported merchandise.
Questioning the benefits of Liberia’s reported economic growth, Kiadii posed a critical question: “Growth for whom?”
He argued that economic progress must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, particularly market women, young people, and small business operators who continue to struggle with the cost of doing business.
The ANC youth leader also referenced a World Bank report, which he said identified structural challenges affecting private sector development and the ability of economic growth to generate employment and improve living standards. However, he did not specify the report or cite particular findings and statistics during his remarks.
Kiadii urged the government to move beyond public assurances and initiate direct consultations with affected businesswomen. He called for a review of taxes imposed on small and medium-sized enterprises, improvements in shipping and customs clearance procedures, and greater transparency in trade-related operations.
He maintained that discussions with the business community should produce measurable policy changes capable of addressing the difficulties confronting traders.
Describing market women as important contributors to Liberia’s economy, Kiadii noted that their commercial activities support families, generate employment, contribute to government revenue, and sustain communities.
He warned that continued increases in business expenses and administrative bottlenecks could discourage investment, undermine employment opportunities, and further reduce the purchasing power of consumers.
Beyond the immediate grievances of the protesting traders, Kiadii identified unemployment, limited access to affordable financing, inadequate infrastructure, and the rising cost of living as interconnected challenges requiring urgent government attention.
He called for economic policies that prioritize business expansion, employment creation, and improved conditions for local entrepreneurs rather than relying solely on declarations of economic growth.
Concluding his remarks, Kiadii expressed support for the political leadership of ANC standard-bearer Alexander B. Cummings, arguing that Liberia requires effective leadership, administrative competence, and stronger economic management to confront its development challenges.
