Ganta, Nimba County ~ Liberia’s Inspector General of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Miantor S. Gbatu, has vowed tougher enforcement of food safety laws, stressing that “Liberia is not a dumpsite.” His statement followed the seizure of a large quantity of expired frozen goods at the West Africa Enterprises, Inc. Branch #26, located in the Congo Community of Ganta, Nimba County.
The confiscated consignment, valued at about L$120,000, was discovered during a routine inspection on Saturday, September 13, 2025. According to the Inspector General, the rotten fish posed a serious health threat to consumers and could have triggered a public health crisis had it reached the market.
“Public health and safety remain a top priority of the Commerce Ministry,” Mr. Gbatu said. “Any business caught selling expired or unwholesome food products will face penalties ranging from heavy fines to outright closure.”
The Commerce Ministry’s inspection team announced that it will intensify monitoring efforts in Ganta and other parts of Nimba County to prevent the circulation of expired goods.
Local residents, shocked by the discovery, expressed frustration over what they described as greedy and irresponsible business practices that put profit above human life. Many commended the ministry for its swift intervention.
The incident underscores growing concerns about food safety in Liberia and the need for stronger collaboration among regulatory authorities, businesses, and communities to ensure that consumers are protected from dangerous products.
