House summons Commerce Minister

The House of Representatives has summoned authorities at the Ministry of Commerce to give reason why prices of the 50kg and 25kg rice bags are still the same, despite pronouncement by the Executive of reduction in prices.

In a communication sent to Plenary Thursday, 15 February, Bong County District #1 Rep. Albert Hills, said his attention had been drawn to the announcement by President George Manneh Weah on reduction of rice prices.

Rep. Hills says following a two – day meeting with rice importers recently, reduction of the price of rice was announced, with US$2.00 cut from the 25kg rice bag and US$4.00 cut from the 50kg rice bag respectively.

But the Bong County lawmaker observes that the reduction has not taken effect, noting that citizens across the country including his district are experiencing no changes in the prices of rice, despite being announced by the President that the reduction was taking immediate effect.

He says they continue to confront local rice dealers with tons of questions daily, asking why the prices of rice have not been reduced.While lauding President Weah’s intervention as well as the rice importers for their effort, Rep. Hills however says it seems that the president’s announcement has fallen on deaf ears and he is relying on the plenary to take the essential actions necessary to ensure that their constituents benefit from the announcement made by the president.

By Bridgett Milton–Edited by Winston W. Parley