By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Market women in Port Loko have on Thursday the 18th September 2025, raised strong concerns over the challenges facing their businesses, citing heavy dependence on microfinance institutions, a deteriorating market structure, and unfulfilled promises from politicians.
Speaking to this medium at the Munku Market, traders expressed frustration at what they described as “crippling loan conditions” that leave them trapped in cycles of debt.
We are tired of taking microfinance loans. The interest rates are too high, and instead of helping us, they are strangling our businesses,” lamented Mariatu Sesay, one of the market women. “What we need are soft loans directly from the government so that we can trade and take care of our families without fear of harassment from creditors.”
Her concerns were echoed by Yabom Kamara, who pointed out that despite repeated visits by politicians during election seasons, little has been done to address the plight of women traders. “They come here with promises, but after the elections, they disappear. We feel abandoned,” she said.
Adding to the worries is the dilapidated state of Munku Market, the central trading hub in the district. Kanni Kargbo, another trader, described the poor condition of the market as a health and safety hazard. “The market is falling apart. When it rains, everywhere is flooded. We cannot continue trading in such an environment. Government should intervene and rehabilitate this place,” she appealed.
The women called on the authorities both local and national to take concrete action by providing affordable loans, rehabilitating the market infrastructure, and fulfilling their development promises.
For the market women of Port Loko, the message is clear: microfinance loans are not a sustainable solution. They want tangible support from the government that will allow them to thrive, strengthen the local economy, and ensure dignity in their daily struggle to make a living.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 22nd September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
