In a positive tone climaxing 2025, Liberia’s Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. has predicted a brighter labour market for the country, recounting some difficulties last year which have largely been overcome. The Labour Minister disclosed that taking over the ministry when National Budget had already been approved and inheriting workers who are basically professional, including both CSA sanctioned employees and contractor workers, was something that only a wise leader could handle without affecting the economic livelihood of the people. He added that employment at the Ministry and other entities under the current ‘Rescue Mission Government’ is non-partisan based because: “we do not see party x or y written on any employee’s forehead, but their commitment to serve their country”.
A Labour Ministry press release issued over the weekend quotes Minister Kruah as adding that the Ministry targets a significant amount this year from Annual Work Permit Fees which has been adjusted from USD1,000.00 to USD3,000.00. He further dismissed public perception of the Ministry selling Alien Work Permits to expatriates, clarifying that this regulatory function of the ministry to issue Annual Alien Work Permits are the universal statutory functions of all ILO Member States, including the United States of America, without discrimination. He then cautioned employees and contractor workers of the Ministry to uphold dignity and commitment at the workplace and eschew other malpractices, citing the recent summary dismissal of Labour Inspector Matthew J. Johns for corruption as a strong deterrent to unwholesome malpractices. He lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, The Senate and House Committees on Labour for the tremendous support received over the ended year, leading to the steady achievements of the Ministry. Minister Kruah then called for more budgetary allotment through ‘Revenue Enhancement’, to enable his administration transition Contractor Workers to CSA Payroll. The Labour Minister’s remarks were in acceptance of a certificate of appreciation presented to him by Employees and Contractor Workers at his Paynesville residence on New Year Day.
The Employee and Contractor Workers of the Labour Ministry cited Minister Kruah’s dedicated, sacrificial and outstanding contributions to the transformation of the labour sector, workers and the larger society over the year-2024/2025 as key reasons for the award. Presenting the certificate to Minister Kruah in the midst of sporadic thunderous applause and slogans from several staff in attendance, Edwin Taylor, speaking for the CSA sanctioned employees, praised the minister for his cordial working relationship with all workers and pledged their continuous support to Government ARREST AGENDA’. Also speaking at the program, the Coordinator of Labour Ministry Contractor Workers and Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs E. Frederick Baye lauded the Minister for his prudent administrative traits which sustained peace, growth and unity among the workforce since his ascendancy. Director Baye then appealed to the minister to ensure the timely transition of several contractors to CSA Payroll this year, stressing the tremendous contributions and support of the Contractor Workers to the achievement of ‘The ARREST AGENDA’. The program was attended by several senior officials, including Labour Commissioners and Directors.
