Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Varpilah says beginning January 2025, Sunday selling will be prohibited in the city, a decision meant to align Gbarnga with other county capitals that have adopted similar practices.
The mayor said he is in readiness to take the matter to the Supreme Court for interpretation if challenged. He argued that the court should explain why national holidays that fall on Sundays are typically observed the following Monday. Mayor Varpilah believes this precedent supports his decision, and he remains resolute in its implementation.
In response to Mayor Varpilah’s pronouncement, Mr. Aaron G.V. Juaqullie, the Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), has openly challenged the Mayor’s authority to enforce the ban.
Speaking on local radio station, Super Bongese’s Digging Deep show on Thursday, December 26, 2024, Mr. Juaqullie said Sunday is not a national holiday and that the Mayor has no legal basis for such a policy. He said that the decision infringes on the rights of individuals who worship on other days, such as Fridays and Saturdays.
Mr. Juaqullie warned that any attempt to stop people from selling on Sundays would lead to legal action against the Mayor. Courtesy By Edwin D. Khakie
