The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has instructed its committees on Internal Affairs and Governance, Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget to investigate labor-related irregularities affecting local government officials in several counties, particularly Gbarpolu.
The committees are required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations within two weeks. This decision was made following a communication from Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
In her letter dated June 23, 2025, Senator Kanneh expressed that the current situation is harming the welfare and dignity of local government officials, especially chiefs, commissioners, and other administrative personnel throughout the country. “For the past twelve months, numerous local government officials have reportedly gone without salaries in various counties. These public servants are essential for maintaining peace, order, and the rule of law in rural communities, yet they have been left unpaid, despite their consistent efforts under challenging conditions,” she stated.
Senator Kanneh also noted that it is particularly alarming that in some cases where salaries are being paid, the amounts received by certain officials fall below the national minimum wage. Some individuals are reportedly earning less than US$65 per month.
According to her, this situation is a direct violation of the Decent Work Act and constitutes a form of labor exploitation that must be urgently addressed. “In light of these serious concerns, I respectfully recommend that the Honorable Liberian Senate, through its relevant committees, extend an invitation to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Civil Service Agency, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to provide comprehensive clarification on the following matter,” she told her colleagues.
She emphasized that given the status of salaries for local government officials over the past year, measures must be implemented to rectify salary arrears and ensure timely payments in the future. She questioned the justification for the underpayment of certain officials, which contradicts the Decent Work Act, and called for plans to align compensation practices with the mandates of this Act.
Senator Kanneh stressed that as lawmakers, they must uphold the dignity of public service and ensure that those serving at the grassroots level are not marginalized or exploited. She warned that if the current situation remains unresolved, it could undermine their commitment to good governance and social justice.
