Africa-Press – Liberia. – A rubber farmer from Nimba County, Charles Bamakpeh, has joined several colleagues in issuing a passionate plea to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung and lawmakers.
They urged rejection of calls for a permanent ban on rubber exports. Speaking for small-scale farmers and brokers, Mr. Bamakpeh warned that such a policy would devastate livelihoods and revive exploitative practices.
He accused a “select group of people”, including companies like Firestone and Liberian business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva (alias Jeety) of lobbying with the government to restrict sales exclusively to them.
“They are doing everything to convince the president to impose a permanent ban on rubber exports,” Mr. Bamakpeh asserted.
“No rubber would leave the country. This would eliminate competition from exporters, stranding farmers without fair markets,’’ Mr. Bamakpeh further asserted
He recounted hardships from 2017–2019 when a few companies dominated the sector. “They would credit your rubber and make you wait six or seven months for payment,” he said.
‘‘In 2019, I hauled 105 tons to Farfetchum, only to face rejection amid COVID delays, low offers from Mr. Jetty and a seven-month payment promise from Lee Group at $4.20 per kg far below world prices,’’ he averred.
“That nearly broke my business alongside with several businesses in Ganta, Nimba County. Recent improvements have brought immediate payments and competitive pricing since exporters entered the market,’’ he stated.
“Right now, if you take your rubber to an exporter’s buying station, they pay you on the spot,” Mr. Bamakpeh said.
‘‘A ban, however, would drive these buyers away, forcing farmers back to company gates with quotas, delays, and dictated prices. You’ll have to beg at the gate for days,” he continued, calling it a “state of slavery.”
Mr. Bamakpeh linked the push to recent government discussions, including the Agriculture Minister’s remarks at an RPAL event in Todee District, Montserrado County where the minister reportedly boasted of his influence over presidential decisions on rubber.
He fears this could undo progress under the current administration, which he otherwise praised for fostering an open market.
Farmers are reacting harshly. “You’ll see more people cutting down their trees to plant rice, cocoa, cassava,” he warned, recalling past tree-felling after similar restrictions.
“Banning exports won’t support Liberia’s rubber sector it will destroy it completely.”
In a direct appeal to President Boakai and decision-makers, Mr. Bamakpah emphasized: “This rubber was planted by our people. They took loans from clubs and banks not from Firestone or others.”
He called for a “credible system” to keep the market open to Liberian and foreign investors rather than handing control to just two or three companies. “A ban won’t improve the sector; it will kill it.”
Mr. Bamakpah urged immediate public outcry, adding, “If you don’t speak out now, it will be too late.”
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