The decision was reached following a meeting among the Forestry Development Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, some local and international NGOs operating in Lofa County and the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) Lofa County branch.

The organizations also pledged to create more awareness about measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola disease.

According to the Liberia News Agency, the EPA Lofa County Coordinator, who headed the team, Stephen Gibson, said the meeting agreed that as of August 18 nobody is allowed to sell fresh and dried meat in any market in Lofa County.

He said the Superintendent of the Voinjama Market, Madam Esther Woiwor Charlie, Mr. Momo Konneh, coordinator of markets in Lofa County, including heads and some members of the fresh and dry meat sellers Association attended the meeting.

The EPA official told LINA that anyone found selling bush meat will be arrested and turned over to the Magisterial Court for prosecution, while the meat will be publicly burnt.

For his part, Lofa County markets coordinator Konneh pleaded with the meat sellers association to follow government’s mandate and be patient, noting that as things improve, the mandate will be lifted.

Konneh then called on the team members, especially the Forestry Development Authority and Environmental Protection Agency to reach out to every market in the county to spread the message.

Also speaking to LINA, Voinjama Market Superintendent Charlie and the President of the Meat Sellers Association, Madam Ellen Fassama, urged their members to adhere to government’s regulation that bans the sale of bush meat until the ban is lifted.
LINA KKG/TSS/PTK