The Ministry of Commerce & Industry is calling on Liberians to desist from practices that have the propensity to undermine ongoing national efforts to transform Liberia.

The Ministry identified some of the negative tendencies as tax evasion, smuggling, fronting, sale of unwholesome products, etc.

The call was made by Commerce & Industry Minister, Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, recently during a meeting with the residents of Bamballa Town, Porkpa District, and Grand Cape Mount County.

Minister Dagoseh, along with delegation was in the area to seek the citizens’ support to work in partnership with government in curbing illegal business acts and other inclinations that are undermining revenue generation.

The visit by the Commerce & Industry Minister followed increasing reports about smuggling and other unhealthy business activities in Porkpa District.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Dagoseh pointed out that when people fail to register their businesses or refuse to pay the required taxes, it hampers government’s plans to improve the citizens’ living standards through the provision of   basic social services.

“We use the money raised to develop Liberia and we are here to work along with you to share ideas about how to make things  better,” she said.

Minister Dagoseh noted that while the people of Bamballa Town may not feel good seeing their children sitting home doing nothing to sustain themselves, such condition should not equally lead them into ventures that are criminal in nature.

She added that as part of   plans to control illegal business practices and to further build a good working relationship with the people of Porkpa District, the Ministry and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) will shortly conduct a training for some residents of the area so that they can work along with the Ministry and the joint security in the area for rigorous inspection in Grand Cape Mount County.

She said the selection would be done by the various local leaderships of Porkpa District and that the exercise would be free of charge.

Minister Dagoseh however called for gender balance in the process and that it should be those who have the ability to read and write or make a written report.

Also speaking, the Inspector General of Commerce, D. Dorr Cooper said one of the best ways for the Liberian government to actualize its promises to the citizens is for everyone to support its development agenda.

Mr. Cooper noted that smuggling does not only undermine revenue generation, but also serves as a conduit  for the trading of drugs and other harmful substances in any business environment.

Responding, the citizens thanked Minister Dagoseh and team for the meeting. They pledged their support to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in addressing the issues highlighted during the meeting.

According to them, the area has about 21 crossing points, with only four being manned while the remaining 17 are considered illegal because they have no assigned inspectors, neither joint security personnel.

They also spoke about logistical challenges, including vehicle, lighting system, facilities to store confiscated goods, etc. 

Earlier upon arrival, Minister Dagoseh who was once married to a prominent son of Grand Cape Mount County, the late Senator Edward Boakai Dagoseh, received a white chicken and a plate of kola from the citizens as their mark of appreciation.