By Amos Harris
Employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have praised Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti for what they described as significant reforms in staff welfare, salary improvements, transportation, healthcare, and professional development over the past two years. However, the reported improvements have also renewed questions about growing disparities in working conditions across government ministries and agencies.
According to highlights presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Workers Association (MOFAWA), the minimum monthly salary at the Ministry has increased from US$118 to US$250, representing a substantial adjustment aimed at improving the financial standing of employees. The Association also disclosed that the Ministry is covering 100 percent of employees’ health and life insurance premiums for the current year, alongside expanding its in-house medical clinic to improve healthcare access for workers.
On professional development, MOFAWA reported that more than 85 employees have benefited from foreign exchange programs, diplomatic training, and other capacity-building opportunities, including over 60 staff members who participated in training programs in China in July 2026. Additionally, the Ministry has appointed approximately 40 employees to serve in Liberia’s foreign missions during a major round of postings, while creating new pathways for career staff to occupy senior leadership roles within the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the workforce, MOFAWA President Samuel Borbor commended Minister Nyanti and her senior management team for the strides made, while also recognizing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for supporting initiatives designed to elevate the working conditions of public servants. Yet, despite the praise, MOFAWA acknowledged that significant challenges remain unresolved—including lingering salary disparities and outstanding welfare concerns—indicating that the reforms, while welcomed, have not addressed every issue confronting staff.
The developments at Foreign Affairs drew sharp reactions from some Ministry of Information employees who attended the program. Several expressed frustration over their own working conditions, claiming that certain workers take home approximately US$150 monthly—an amount they argue is insufficient to meet basic living expenses amid rising economic pressures.
One Ministry of Information employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as a slow deterioration of workers’ welfare, alleging that staff are struggling to survive despite their continued service to the government. The employees questioned why select ministries and agencies have successfully introduced internal salary adjustments and welfare packages while workers at the Ministry of Information continue to grapple with low pay and limited benefits. They further pointed to what they called a persistent culture of neglect at their ministry, arguing that the removal of ghost names and other payroll irregularities should have freed up resources to genuinely improve the livelihoods of legitimate workers.
Ultimately, the contrast between the two ministries raises broader questions about fairness in the distribution of public resources and whether civil service reforms are being implemented consistently across the government. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earns commendation for its targeted interventions, employees elsewhere in the public sector are demanding similar attention to their economic well-being.
The Boakai administration now faces a critical test: ensuring that improvements in public service delivery and staff welfare do not remain isolated within a few select institutions, but instead extend equitably across the entire government. Public servants should not have to work in one specific ministry to benefit from fair wages, healthcare, transportation, and professional growth.