MONROVIA – Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has underscored the critical need for enhanced coordination among government agencies and officials to effectively promote Liberia’s national development agenda.
Speaking during a ceremony at the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Minister Kruah addressed recent actions by the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah Joekai, who appeared before the Liberian Senate to discuss matters relating to work permits—an area traditionally under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labour.
Minister Kruah strongly criticized the move, describing it as inappropriate and outside the operational scope of the CSA.
“The Civil Service Agency is responsible for public sector workers and is guided by the Civil Service Standing Orders, whereas the Ministry of Labour regulates employment in the private sector under the Decent Work Act of 2015. These are two distinct institutions governed by different legal frameworks,” Minister Kruah explained. “Had I been asked to speak on CSA matters, I would have respectfully declined, as it is not within my purview as Labour Minister. However, people operate differently, and perhaps with different motives.”
The Minister made these remarks during a program honoring him with a certificate of recognition, presented by the Association of Like-Minded Women Network of Liberia and the African Media Network of Liberia. The award acknowledged his dedicated service and ongoing efforts to reform the labour sector.
Reflecting on his leadership, Minister Kruah shared that his administration inherited a significant number of foreign nationals working in Liberia’s private sector. He clarified that, in compliance with the law, his Ministry renewed over 7,000 work permits previously issued under the former administration.
He also addressed public concerns about new permits, noting that only 2,484 work permits have been newly issued under his tenure, thereby dispelling misinformation suggesting his office had issued more than 10,000.
“The notion that Liberians need jobs is absolutely valid,” the Minister said. “But as a government of continuity, we must act within the boundaries of law. Revoking thousands of existing work permits overnight was neither legally nor practically feasible.”
He credited the successes of his administration to the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the administration’s broader rescue agenda for Liberia.
Minister Kruah reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that employment opportunities in Liberia prioritize qualified Liberians. “I remain fully committed to ensuring that preference is given to Liberians in the job market, in line with the Decent Work Act.”
In their remarks, Executive Directors Madam Sarah Kamara of the Association of Like-Minded Women Network and Mr. Prince Grandoe of the African Media Network emphasized that their organizations—though separate—share a unified mission: advocating for social justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring accountability in governance.
“Our recognition of Minister Kruah stems from his unwavering advocacy for Liberians and his enforcement of the Decent Work Act, especially in protecting the rights of workers,” they stated. “We commend him for his leadership and urge him to remain focused and distracted by political noise.”
