By: Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
GANTA CITY, NIMBA COUNTY — Ten of thousands of youngsters living in Ganta City and its environs gathered here at Gbahn highway every Sunday to buy palm wine, fruits and other drinks as well as carry out other busy social activities.
Gbahn highway is located on the Ganta to Saclepea road corridors, approximately five five-minute ride or drive from Ganta City, Nimba County Electoral District #1.
The highway has become a center of attraction in recent times with a growing concern of bustling local commodities sale, generating income for citizens in the environment.
The livelihood of local citizens and the fast purchasing of local commodities on the highway is changing the conditions of citizens, especially women in the area.
Speaking to reporters on the ground, Marie Saye said she generates over LD$10,000 from palm wine sale on every Sunday, noting that her income from palm wine has brought remedy to her financial challenges.
Marie Saye, the mother of four described the poured of crowd at Gbahn highway every Sunday as “helpful,” adding that she sells about four plus gallons (5ft) of palm wine before the end of the day.
“We sell each 5ft gallon of palm wine per one gallon LD$500. So, If you do your calculation, 5ft gallon of palm wine is equivalent to LD$2,500 times four gallons will give you LD$10,000,” she stated.
Marie Saye highlighted that through palm wine sale, she is empowered to send her children to school, purchased land, and provide needed care for her family, despite lack of support from her children’s father.
Palm wine is a widely appreciated beverage in Liberia and other African Countries four times cheaper than beer. Palm wine benefits economy.
According to Marie, palm wine production is a significant means of generating income and employment opportunities for local citizens.
She believes that selling palm wine is a significant source of income, particularly for poor people and single women. “The business supports their families, enables them to afford basic needs like food and school fees, and allows for entrepreneurial development,” she asserted.
Also speaking, buyers comprising of young men and women termed palm wine production and sales are a vital economic activity, especially for people who do not have other income sources.
“Income from palm wine sales helps women provide for their children and families, including food, school fees, and other essential needs,” they said.
The production and sale of palm wine contribute to the local economy and can create employment opportunities within communities.
While profitable, palm wine tappers and brewers face challenges like competition, lack of investment, and the need for infrastructure development to fully maximize their potential.
The Gbahn highway of Gbahn Town on the Ganta to Saclepea road developed a reputation for the production of large quantities of palm wine.
