By O’Neill A.R. Philips
Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Bangli, a Chinese company mining ores in the concession area of China Union in Bong Mines, to improve employee welfare, sanitation, and establish a harmonious working relationship within its concession area.
Minister Kruah made the demand on Friday, November 14, 2025, during a meeting with employees and executives of Bangli at its industrial site in Bong Mines, Bong County. He insisted that the company must construct or develop a clinic with ambulance service within the concession area for emergency purposes.
He stated that the company must also hire the professional services of a Liberian nurse or doctor within the same time frame. “An equipped clinic with trained staff in Bangli’s concession area will serve emergency health purposes for employees and prevent unwanted health issues,” he emphasized.
“We are giving you thirty days to construct or have a clinic here for your employees,” Minister Kruah demanded. “You must also have an ambulance; it doesn’t have to be big, but you need it here. It will be here whenever any of your employees get hurt or sick while on the job,” he instructed.
Additionally, Minister Kruah requested the company to procure safety gear, including personal protective equipment (PPE), helmets, boots, and gloves for its employees within two weeks of the visit. Furthermore, he mandated the company to build toilet facilities and construct a borehole within sixty days. The borehole, according to Minister Kruah, will supply water for sanitation purposes.
He also urged Bangli to improve its method of deducting Social Security tax from employees with a transparent system. However, he thanked the company for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the workers’ union, which paves the way for Liberians to take over jobs currently held by the Chinese in the near future.
He appreciated the company for providing transportation services for employees but urged them to maintain this service to the mines. The Minister appealed to Bangli executives to also build housing for its workers in the concession area, albeit with an extended time frame.
In response, Bangli General Manager Lyu Wen Ying expressed appreciation to Minister Kruah and his delegation, stating that the company is in the process of delivering housing facilities for its workers and is constructing five toilets in the concession area. Mr. Wen Ying mentioned that there is also a clinic with a Chinese doctor on-site but will now consider hiring Liberians for the post while promising to improve hygiene and sanitation services in the area. He pledged to adhere to all recommendations forwarded by Minister Kruah within the specified time frame, noting that they are in the interest of the company.
Earlier, during an open discussion with Bangli workers, Mr. Sam Kpehe, the workers’ union president, expressed concerns about the clarity surrounding their Social Security deductions. He also complained about poor sanitation conditions for his members; however, he praised Bangli for ensuring smooth transportation to and from work, as well as for providing meals and safe drinking water. Minister Kruah’s visit and ultimatum to Bangli come in the wake of a strike action by some workers of the company over a week ago. Bangli currently employs about 162 Liberians and 53 Chinese.
