By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County – The Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) has elected new national officers to lead the organization for the next four years, with Madam Lusu K.S. Crawford defeating the incumbent president by a landslide margin.
The 2026 Elective Convention was held in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, from April 9-11, 2026, with marketers from across Liberia’s 15 counties gathering to cast their votes. On April 12, 2026, the Election Committee announced that Madam Crawford secured 372 votes, while incumbent President Madam Elizabeth F. Sambolah received 92 votes.
The presidential contest featured four female candidates: Alice G. Yeebahn, Elizabeth F. Sambolah, Lusu K.S. Crawford, and Annie Q. Yenay, a rural candidate from Nimba County. Madam Crawford previously served as LMA national president and later as suspended Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She was suspended by Madam Sambolah during her previous tenure.
Other newly elected officials include Madam Old-lady Sneh as Vice President with 329 votes, Mr. Patrick N. Sarti as Secretary General with 356 votes, Mr. Patrick K. Jolo as Assistant Secretary General with 307 votes, and Madam Duah T. Ida as National Chaplain with 318 votes. The election committee has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for any candidate wishing to file a complaint regarding alleged electoral fraud.
The newly elected officials are expected to take office following that period. The outcome concludes a prolonged leadership crisis at the LMA, according to delegates at the convention. The election outcome brings an end to a prolonged leadership crisis at the LMA, paving the way for a new chapter in the organization’s history. The newly elected officials are set to take office soon, following a 24-hour ultimatum, if a candidate wishes to file a complaint for alleged election fraud.
LMA 2026 Election Conduct:
The LMA’s 2026 conventional election was a landmark event, conducted under the watchful eyes of independent bodies – the National Election Commission and the President of the Nimba Bar Association, Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris as Chairperson, lending credibility to the process. Notably, this election marked a first with joint security forces, including the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, and private security firm LMP, ensuring a secure environment for delegates to exercise their voting rights.
The event also drew top government officials from key ministries, such as Finance and Development Planning, Agriculture, and Local Government, underscoring the significance of this election in shaping Liberia’s market landscape. The Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) was in turmoil following its President, Madam Elizabeth F. Sambollah’s sudden suspension of Board Chairperson, Mrs. Lusu S. F. Crawford, sparking a heated leadership battle. The move, allegedly over insubordination, missed reports, and unprofessional conduct, raised questions about constitutional violations and left senior officials stunned.
Marketers took to the streets, demonstrating at the Ministry of Local Government to voice frustration with Sambollah’s leadership. This is not the first time the LMA has faced leadership woes, with past disputes crippling the organization’s ability to manage market spaces effectively.
During the official results pronouncement, Nimba County Superintendent Madam Kou Meapeh Gono congratulated the winners of the LMA election, emphasizing unity and the crucial role of marketers in Liberia’s development. “Congratulations to all of you – winners and contestants alike. Tonight, the LMA emerges stronger, united in its mission to drive Liberia’s progress. Our country’s resources are tied to the humble tables of our markets, farms, and communities,” Supt. Gono said.
“Let’s work together for the common good of our children and nation,” urged the new leadership to prioritize collaboration, echoing the marketers’ call for change and a brighter future for Liberia’s marketers.
Minister of Local Government Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr. pledged the government’s commitment to rebranding the Liberia Marketing Association within six months, following the induction of the new leadership.
Min. Nyumalin, Sr. announced a 24-hour ultimatum for any election disputes, emphasizing adherence to the rule of law under President Boakai’s ARREST agenda.
He disclosed that President Boakai, Sr. had tasked him to intervene in the LMA’s leadership crisis, four months ago, with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Kong’s support. A committee, led by Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning, Edward K. Mulbah along with Mr. Josephus Paye for the VP Office, formed and held 27 meetings with LMA stakeholders, six of which were pivotal in paving the way for the LMA 2026 Convention and Election.
Min. Nyumalin, Sr. praised the election’s peaceful conduct, thanking the mediation committee, election body, and marketers for their hands on the desk. He also expressed gratitude to outgoing LMA President Madam Elizabeth F. Sambollah and congratulated all four candidates on their commitment to a peaceful process. “An official induction ceremony for the elected officials will be announced after the 24-hour complaint period expires”, the Minister concluded.
However, Madam Lusu K. S. Crawford’s administration is likely to face pressing challenges, including how to boost domestic production, increase access to markets, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the region. Key issues likely to dominate the next administration’s agenda include strengthening LMA’s capacity to support businesses, especially SMEs, enhancing marketing strategies to promote Liberian products, and fostering partnerships with international organizations to drive growth.
Madam Lusu K. S. Crawford, a seasoned businesswoman and influential leader, says she is poised to bring transformative change to the Liberia Marketing Association again. With a proven track record as a former president, she said she has built bridges with international business partners aimed to empower marketers with business ideas, and improve investment.
Her vision includes revamped infrastructure, efficient garbage disposal, and fair treatment for all. Madam Crawford’s administration promises zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring transparency at all levels. She is set to shake things up and put marketers’ needs front and center.
