LILGA Blasts Ministry of Labour Over $50 Foreign Worker Levy, Cites Privatization of Public Revenue and Institutionalized Corruption
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA) have condemned the Ministry of Labour for introducing a Workforce Development Levy that requires employers to pay $50 for every foreign worker, alleging that the move is a clear violation of the Public Financial Management Act.
Addressing reporters in Monrovia on Monday, the Founder/Executive Director of Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA), George Tengbeh expressed outrage over the Ministry’s decision to direct the funds to be administered by a private platform called LiberiaWorks, describing it as a privatization of public revenue without clear statutory basis, legislative approval, or public accountability framework.
“The law is clear. Section 21 of the PFM Act states: ‘All revenues or moneys raised or received for the purpose of, or on behalf of, the Government shall be paid into and form part of the Consolidated Fund.’ Yet, under this scheme, public funds are being diverted away from the Consolidated Fund into a privately controlled structure.
“This is illegal and is unacceptable,” he said, pointing fingers at the Minister of Labour Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr to do the needful.
LILGA is demanding immediate suspension of the Workforce Development Levy arrangement, citing concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability.
George Tengbeh is also calling for full public disclosure of LiberiaWorks’ ownership and operations, as well as an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission into the alleged financial misconduct.
The alliance however called for administrative accountability for all officials involved, including Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., emphasizing that public office is a position of trust, not a platform for experimentation with public funds.
“This action is not isolated. It reflects a broader and more troubling pattern within the Ministry of Labour: disregard for due process, politicization of labour governance, marginalization of qualified Liberian workers, weak enforcement of labour protections, and opaque recruitment and employment practices,” Tengbehstated.
The alliance warned that if the precedent is allowed to stand, it could lead to a collapse of the national budget framework, elimination of public oversight, and institutionalization of corruption.
Meanwhile, LILGA is urging the public to join in demanding accountability and transparency in government operations amogest others.