By Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
MONROVIA – Before the leadership of Madam Julia K. Banney, the current superintendent of the Old Road Market, the market was in a total state of ruin under a makeshift.
Rains and heavy storms would drive away marketers many days due to the poor condition of the market structure before Madame Banney’s ascendency as Superintendent.
Since Julia Banney’s leadership began in 2013, the market has seen real time changes with a structural leadership.
As part of her advocacy for a better market, ‘Ma Julia’ as she’s affectionately called for her colleagues lobbied with the Weah administration and the reconditioning of the Old Market began one of President Weah’s signature projects for District #10 in 2019.
In an interview with Liberia Excellent News Network on Monday April 28, 2025, Madame Banney warned that there are people within the Liberia Marketing Association who are allegedly opting for her removal.
She described the reported move as unjust and urged the Liberia Marketing Association to be cautious of whatever decision it intends to take.
She emphasized that the improvements of the Old Road Market were made without meaningful support from the LMA, which she accused of sowing confusion among the marketers rather than helping them.
Old Road Market to Disassociate from LMA
“We no longer want to associate with the Liberia Marketing Association. They are not serving the interests of the marketers,” Madam Banney stated firmly.
According to her, the market’s redevelopment has created a more organized and safer environment for hundreds of vendors and consumers alike.
She stressed that any disruption in the current leadership could reverse the progress that has been made, affecting the livelihoods of many families who depend on the market for their income.
Meanwhile, several of the marketers are standing in solidarity with the Banney’s leadership – citing her pivotal role played in transforming the Old Road Market into one of the most vibrant trading centers in Montserrado County District #10.
They warned that any politically motivated interference by the LMA could destabilize the peaceful atmosphere traders and customers currently enjoy.
