MONROVIA, Liberia — The Labor Court has reversed a Ministry of Labor ruling that found the National Port Authority liable for the wrongful dismissal of former financial comptroller Gabriel Bull, holding that the NPA acted within the Decent Work Act in terminating him for grave misconduct.
Judge Joseph M. Kollie on Nov. 4, 2025, set aside the earlier decision by Hearing Officer Beikai A. Sheriff—which had ordered reinstatement or more than US$280,000 in compensation and benefits—after a judicial review petition from the NPA led by Managing Director Sekou A.M. Dukuly.
Citing Sections 14.3 and 14.4 of the Decent Work Act, Judge Kollie ruled that employers may summarily dismiss employees for grave misconduct once proven by evidence, and that an internal investigation is not a legal condition precedent to dismissal in such cases. He also rejected the compensation award, saying no documentary proof supported the claims and reaffirming, per FDA v. Walters (1988), that allegations are not evidence.
Testifying for the NPA, internal auditor Edwin Constance and deputy comptroller Lawrence Dahn pointed to irregular transactions they said occurred under Bull’s watch, including:
- An unauthorized US$59,000 payment to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)
- A L$350,000 transfer to Norfolk Marina without Board approval
- A US$50,000 payment to Bashir Business Center in violation of procurement rules
The court noted Bull did not rebut the evidence despite notice and opportunity to do so. “Petitioner is not liable for payment of compensation to the respondent, Gabriel Bull,” Judge Kollie declared.
