The Patriotic Consciousness Association of Liberia (PACA) has strongly condemned what it calls “the current wave of baseless and scandalous media attacks and castigation against Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr.” from certain sectors of Liberian society.
In a major press statement released in Monrovia on July 1, 2025, PACA asserted that, over the past weeks, several media outlets across the country have been airing and publishing various sponsored articles that falsely link Minister Kruah to the sale of Liberian Alien Work Permits to unverified foreign workers, thereby undermining opportunities for Liberians seeking employment. PACA maintains that these allegations are part of a smear campaign against the Labour Minister orchestrated by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon and are not supported by any substantiated facts.
PACA emphasized that, contrary to these allegations, Labour Minister Kruah is regarded as one of the best-performing officials in President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s Rescue Mission Government. He is actively working to achieve the goals of local job protection and a stable labor environment under “The ARREST AGENDA.”
PACA outlined its recent findings regarding the overall operation of the Ministry of Labour under Minister Kruah, highlighting the effective implementation of the Decent Work Act, which has significantly improved Liberia’s reputation with international labor entities, including the International Labour Organization (ILO). Based on its independent investigation into the media allegations advanced by Senator Dillon and his supporters, PACA concluded that the achievements made under Minister Kruah’s two-year tenure far surpass those of recent past governments in the labor sector. These accomplishments include a reduction in child labor cases, mitigation of industrial unrest, alleviation of insecure contractual jobs for Liberian workers in the private sector, the promotion of Liberian workers to managerial positions in major concessions, and ongoing national discussions to improve Liberia’s current minimum wage, which stands at USD143.00, among the lowest in ILO member nations.
PACA also noted the visible presence of labor personnel, including inspectors and occupational health officers, at all regional labor offices across the country. In response to the unfounded rumors regarding Minister Kruah’s alleged sale of Alien Work Permits to foreigners occupying jobs intended for Liberians, PACA dismissed these claims. It pointed out that, under the current Decent Work Act, there are no specific jobs designated solely for Liberians. Minister Kruah has been engaged in regular meetings with heads of major investment companies to ensure that Liberians transition to full employment status with benefits comparable to their foreign counterparts.
PACA’s independent investigation confirmed that the Ministry strictly adheres to its statutory obligations, including the vetting and issuance of Alien Work Permits to foreigners seeking employment, in line with the Decent Work Act and ILO Chapter 111, which prohibits employment discrimination by member states of the ILO. PACA expressed serious concerns about the breach of confidentiality in issuing Alien Work Permits, which occurred after Senator Dillon launched his unfounded political attacks against the Labour Minister. This breach jeopardizes the safety of foreign workers holding Liberian Alien Work Permits, exposing them to potential risks from angry citizens. PACA warns that this situation creates a negative climate for investment, adversely affecting the economy and hindering growth and development in the labor sector, thereby undermining the government’s efforts to advance the country.
Furthermore, PACA debunked claims regarding Minister Kruah selling Alien Work Permits to foreigners, emphasizing that one of the primary responsibilities of the Minister of Labour is to issue Alien Work Permits to foreigners seeking jobs, not to grant them jobs. The Minister’s role is to protect Liberian workers and to revoke work permits as necessary.
PACA expressed strong support for Minister Kruah’s ongoing labor transformation initiatives, particularly the reintroduction of the National Students Vacation Job Program, which is expected to benefit over one thousand economically disadvantaged youths and students this year. Additionally, PACA has launched its “National Campaign for Liberia’s Survival” (NACALS), a nationwide citizen awareness initiative aimed at enhancing public understanding of major positive projects that require collective support.
