Ministry of Labour, Republic of Liberia

29/05/2026

Ministry of Labour Intervenes in LEC Workers’ Go-Slow Threat

The Ministry of Labour has called on the workers’ union of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to suspend its pending go-slow action, assuring employees that the Government is taking all necessary steps to address their concerns through amicable dialogue and lawful procedures.

Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., made the call on Friday, May 29, 2026, during a social dialogue conference held with the Management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation and representatives of the workers’ union under the umbrella of the United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL).

Minister Kruah disclosed that the Ministry of Labour will establish a joint investigative committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, the LEC Management, and the workers’ union to thoroughly review and address all issues raised by the employees in an orderly and transparent manner.

According to the Minister, the Ministry will officially communicate the formation of the committee to both the Management and the workers’ union in the coming days.

He further urged the union leadership to take into consideration the current national situation and the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and uninterrupted electricity services across the country. Minister Kruah emphasized that the Government remains deeply concerned about the situation and is committed to ensuring that there is no disruption in the operations and activities of the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

The Labour Minister noted that the presence of top-ranking officials of the LEC at the dialogue meeting demonstrates Management’s willingness and commitment to resolving the matter through peaceful engagement and mutual understanding.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, the Secretary General of the United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL), Mr. Dave J. Sneh, praised Minister Kruah for his timely intervention in bringing both parties to the discussion table.

Mr. Sneh stated that the Labour Law provides workers with the opportunity to formally notify the Ministry before engaging in any go-slow or strike action. He emphasized that since the Ministry has now taken the lead in addressing the matter, UWUL and the LEC workers remain committed to the peaceful intervention process initiated by the Ministry of Labour.

“We are willing to work with the Ministry and Management so that this matter can be resolved amicably. This process will also serve as a supporting mechanism to ensure that agreements previously signed and inherited are properly implemented. Where there are financial constraints affecting implementation, Management should openly communicate same to the workers in a timely manner,” Mr. Sneh added.

Signed: Joseph K. Nyandibo/Director/Communications/MOL

28/05/2026

Press Release

Special Presidential Committee On LACA Sets To Make Final Report.

Monrovia, May 12, 2026…the Chairman of the Special Presidential Committee set up by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to amicably resolve several complaints raised by the Liberia Agricultural Companies Association (LACA), Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., says final report of the Committee is expected to be submitted to the President within the next two weeks.
Speaking to Journalists after a sitting of the Committee on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Ministry of Labour in Monrovia, the Minister said final submission of responses and inputs by all entities have been received.

Minister Kruah said effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Secretariat headed by the National Bureau of Concession (NBC), will start to analyize and do a summary of the various reports and concerns.
He said that on Wednesday of the following week, the Committee will meet to review the report before it’s final production of the report for the President.
The Minister then hailed members of the committee for the hard-work and full participation during the process.

It can be recalled that Liberia Agricultural Companies Association (LACA), complained to H. E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai of several issues hindering their operations in the country. As the result, the office of the President constituted a special Presidential Committee comprised of over 20-institutions of government to speedily resolve their grievances.

Since the constitution of the committee, they have had several sittings, including one with the leadership of LACA at the Ministry of Labour.

Signed: Joseph K. Nyandibo/Director of Communications/MOL

28/05/2026

Government of Liberia joint Enforcement Drive on Reserved Businesses in Kakata City, Margibi County. Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., les the MOL team to the launch which was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

28/05/2026

Court Convicts Nigerian National to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Human Trafficking in Grand Gedeh County

Monrovia, May 28, 2026...The Government of Liberia, through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, has secured a major conviction in a human trafficking case involving three Nigerian female minors trafficked to Liberia earlier this year.

The case, titled Republic of Liberia vs. Esther Asuaquo, was heard during the May A.D. 2026 Term of Court at the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County.

According to court records, Ms. Esther Asuaquo, a Nigerian national, was accused of trafficking three Nigerian female minors between the ages of 15 and 19 under the false pretense of offering them employment opportunities at a beauty salon in Liberia. Instead, the victims were reportedly taken to an illegal gold mining site, where they were allegedly coerced into prostitution and sexual exploitation for the financial benefit of the defendant.

Reports further revealed that the defendant allegedly provided the victims with condoms nightly and threatened them whenever they resisted her instructions. Authorities also disclosed that Ms. Asuaquo demanded approximately LRD 2 million from each victim in exchange for their release, though only one victim was reportedly able to make the payment.

The matter came to the attention of law enforcement after the defendant accused the victims of theft and reported them to the police. However, following an investigation and statements provided by the victims, authorities arrested and formally charged Ms. Asuaquo with Trafficking in Persons. The victims were subsequently placed in a government safe home under protective care pending the outcome of the trial.

The prosecution was represented by the Ministry of Justice through the County Attorney of Grand Gedeh County, while the defendant was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.

During the proceedings, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and informed the court of a plea bargaining agreement previously negotiated between both parties and approved by the court on May 19, 2026. The agreement highlighted the defendant’s expression of remorse, cooperation with the investigation, and other mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense.

Following a series of questions posed by the court, Resident Circuit Judge Cllr. George S. Wiles determined that the defendant’s guilty plea was entered voluntarily and with full understanding of the nature and gravity of the offense committed.

In rendering judgment, the court considered several mitigating factors, including the defendant’s remorse, lack of prior criminal record, support from members of the community, willingness to rehabilitate, and her current pregnancy. Although Liberia’s amended anti-human trafficking law prescribes a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, the court exercised leniency and sentenced the defendant to 10 calendar years imprisonment.

The court further ordered that due to her pregnancy, the defendant shall remain in custody until she is medically cleared for childbirth. Thereafter, she may be temporarily released under strict conditions to facilitate childbirth and childcare. As part of the conditions imposed by the court, the defendant must report monthly to the Sheriff of the Court, remain within the jurisdiction of Zwedru City unless otherwise authorized by the court, and perform one year of community service beginning six months after delivery.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Liberia’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has welcomed the successful prosecution and conviction, describing it as a major step in Liberia’s fight against human trafficking.

Minister Kruah emphasized that the Taskforce will intensify efforts in 2026 to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle human trafficking networks operating within Liberia. He further assured the public that the government remains committed to enforcing anti-trafficking laws and protecting vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, from exploitation and abuse.

11/05/2026

Liberia Advances Decent Work Agenda to Boost Jobs and Improve Livelihoods

Monrovia, Liberia (ILO News), May 11, 2026: Liberia is accelerating efforts to create jobs, improve working conditions, and expand economic opportunities for its citizens through a renewed national commitment to decent work, inclusive growth, and private sector development.

The Government of Liberia has taken a major step toward creating more jobs and improving working conditions nationwide through a high-level tripartite consultation on the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).

The consultation, convened by the Ministry of Labour under the auspices of Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, at the Ellen Johnson Ministerial Complex, brought together representatives from government, employers, and workers’ organizations to design policies that will expand employment opportunities, strengthen workers’ protections, and promote inclusive economic growth.

Representing the Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, Deputy Minister Steve Kolubah described the meeting as a critical milestone toward ensuring that all Liberians have access to decent, productive, and decent employment. He stated that the process would help build a labour market that works for every Liberian by creating opportunities, improving incomes, and strengthening livelihoods.

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the Private Sector Development (PSD) Project, supported by the European Union through its Global Gateway Initiative. The project is expected to boost job creation and private sector growth through creation of more job opportunities, particularly for young people and women, supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and hire more workers, strengthening Liberia’s business environment to attract investment, and improving skills development to better match labour market demands.
These efforts will help reduce unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth across the country.

Policies That Deliver for People
The consultation also advanced the development of two key national frameworks that would guide the delivery of positive impacts to people, namely, the National Employment Policy (NEP) and the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). These frameworks will identify Liberia’s priorities in job creation, fair wages and workers’ rights, safe and healthy workplaces and social protection for workers and families. Both frameworks are being developed through broad consultations, ensuring that the voices of employers and workers shape decisions that directly impact their lives.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of Vanessa Phala, the ILO Country Office Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Inviolata Chinyangarara, Workers Specialist, commended Liberia for its inclusive approach. She highlighted that strong collaboration between government, employers, and workers would build a more resilient workforce, strengthen the private sector, and improve overall working conditions across Liberia

Once finalized, the DWCP will serve as Liberia’s national roadmap for creating more and better jobs, reducing poverty, and ensuring that economic growth translates into improved living standards for all Liberians.

Hon. Cooper W. Kruah appreciated the ILO mission team for the mission and in particular the EU for providing the funds. He maintained that the Ministry of Labour and other social partners stand ready to work with the ILO in the successful implementation of this project.
The project is being jointly implemented by the ILO and Expertise France.

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

PRESS Release

Min. Kruah Places Hold On Redundancy At Firestone

Monrovia, May 10, 2026 — The Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has formally requested the Management of the Firestone Plantation Company to place an immediate hold on the proposed redundancy of Mr. Winston Ford, Co-Chair of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union (FAWUL).

In a communication addressed to the company, the Minister indicated that the Ministry’s recommendation is based on findings from ongoing investigations and observations, which suggest that proceeding with Mr. Ford’s redundancy at this time could trigger industrial unrest within the plantation.

The Minister disclosed that approximately six weeks ago, the Legal Counsel of Firestone informed the Ministry of Management’s intention to declare six employees redundant, including Mr. Ford. The matter was subsequently forwarded to the Director of Workers’ Compensation for review and technical advice.

While the communication was under review, the Ministry received concerns from over 46 Workplace Representatives, who not only rejected the proposed redundancy but also submitted a petition urging Mr. Ford to contest the Union’s chairmanship. A copy of the petition, duly signed by the representatives, was presented to the Ministry. These Workplace Representatives serve as elected voices of workers across various departments and sections of the plantation.

In light of these developments, the Ministry initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Minister Kruah emphasized that the sequence of events—Mr. Ford being petitioned to contest the chairmanship and subsequently listed for redundancy—raises serious concerns, warranting caution and due diligence. Accordingly, the Ministry has requested Management to suspend any action on the redundancy pending further review.

The Minister concluded by noting that while certain actions may be legally permissible, they must also be exercised with prudence and sensitivity to maintain peace and stability within the workplace.

Meanwhile, in a formal request submitted to the Ministry, the Workplace Representatives called for a full probe into the redundancy process. They referenced Article 29, Section (J) of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which stipulates that in cases of redundancy, a Workplace Representative within a given department or section shall be the last to be affected.

The representatives further maintained that Mr. Winston Ford is not only a Workplace Representative across three departments but also the duly elected Co-Chairman representing the entire workforce under FAWUL.

Signed: Joseph K. Nyandibo/Director of Communications/MOL

09/05/2026

ILO delegation conclusions visit to Liberia. While the country, the delegation met and discussions with members of the Tripartite Council of the Labour sector of Liberia (the Liberia Labour Congress, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and Ministry of Labour as well as line ministries and the social partners.

09/05/2026

Labour Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. has recommended to the Management of the Firestone Plantation Company to put on hold the redundancy of Mr. Winston Ford, the Co-chair of the Firestone Agriculture Workers Union (FAWUL).
In a letter addressed to Firestone, the Minister said his Ministry's recommendation stands from the fact that the redundancy of Mr. Ford at this point is likely to cause industrial unrest in Firestone from investigation and observation.

He spoke to journalists on Friday, May 8, 2026, at his Labour Ministry office in Monrovia.