The Liberia National Casket Union has raised concerns over what it describes as unfair and monopolistic business practices by St. Moses Funeral Home and other major funeral establishments in Monrovia.
According to the Union, grieving families are being pressured to purchase caskets directly from certain funeral homes—a situation that has left independent casket makers struggling to stay in business.
Speaking at a press conference along the Japan Freeway, the Union President Mr. Prince Massaquoi described the situation as “a direct threat to our livelihoods and the principles of fair competition.”
“We are not asking for handouts,” Mr. Massaquoi said. “We are only asking for fair play. Let every Liberian businessperson have the chance to earn a living without fear, intimidation, or manipulation.”
Mr. Massaquoi explained that local casket makers, many of whom operate along the Japan Freeway near St. Moses and Abraham Roberts Funeral Homes, have seen a sharp decline in sales due to what they alleged are coercive practices.
“Several of our members have had customers who came to buy caskets, even paying deposits,” he said. “But later, these same families came back saying the funeral homes told them they must buy directly from them if they wanted to use their services. That’s not fair—it’s killing our business.”
The Union is now calling on the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Liberia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (LCCPC) to intervene.
“We are appealing for an urgent investigation into these practices,” Massaquoi emphasized. “No single funeral home should have the power to force grieving families into certain purchases or deny other Liberians the right to work.”
The Union, amongst other things noted that the issue is not only economic but also moral, arguing that families already mourning loved ones should not be subjected to alleged commercial pressure.
“We craft these caskets with dignity and respect,” Massaquoi said. “But what’s happening now is exploitation at a time when people are most vulnerable.”
When contacted, St. Moses Funeral Home defended its policy, stating that customers who use its services are required to purchase caskets directly from the facility.
“Whosoever carries their relative to my facility is compelled to buy caskets from me,” a representative of the funeral home said. “I don’t recognize this group. We already have an association, which I lead as president. I’m just hearing about them for the first time. Don’t use the word ‘allegedly.’ I run a professional institution offering professional services. I also manufacture caskets.”
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Casket Union says it will continue to advocate for a level playing field and may pursue legal action if the matter is not addressed.
