MONROVIA, LIBERIA-ECOWAS has begun taking steps to establish a Competition and Consumer Authority in Liberia.

The Authority aims to put Liberia on par with other countries in the sub-region in the implementation of an independent Competition and Consumer Authority.

The two-day Technical Working Group engagement was organized by the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority Mission.

Speaking at the ceremony, the ECOWAS Representative in Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, termed the establishment of the Authority as of critical importance.

Madam Nkrumah called on stakeholders to revisit existing frameworks, identify gaps, and propose solutions to develop a legislative framework for the country.

At the same time, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has arrived in Liberia for a one-day working visit.

Dr. Touray is accompanied by Abdel-Fatau Musa, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

During his visit, the ECOWAS Commission President and delegation will meet with President Joseph Boakai and other key stakeholders.

A release from ECOWAS says the regional bloc will continue to support Liberia’s post-election national reconciliation efforts in solidarity with citizens.

According to the release, the ECOWAS delegation’s discussions will highlight regional peace and security.

Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Program Officer for Competition and Analysis, Yahya Samateh, disclosed that the ECOWAS Team is in the country to establish its Competition and Consumer Authority.

Mr. Samateh said:” The Team conducted an advocacy engagement with stakeholders for Liberia to establish such a framework earlier this year. Without establishing the Competition and Consumer Authority across the sub-region, it will be difficult for the ECOWAS to implement its mandate on commerce and trade.”

Also speaking, the Director of the Division of Foreign Trade at the Commerce Ministry, Jesse Mathies, said:” The gathering is a crucial step to align Liberia with international market and business standards. It is a three-year collaborative effort between the ECOWAS and the Government of Liberia to draw up a blueprint for Liberia’s commitment to the establishment of the Authority.”

By: Varflay Kamara/Jonathan Grigsby