Monrovia, November 19, 2025,… Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Labour, Othello P. Mansuo, has called on Labour Inspectors to broaden their focus beyond inspecting work permits for foreign workers. He emphasized that the responsibilities of Labour Inspectors extend far deeper, covering workplace conditions, employee and employer rights, and overall compliance with labour regulations.
Deputy Minister Mansuo noted that effective labour inspection includes monitoring minimum wage compliance, identifying child labour violations, assessing workplace safety standards, and ensuring occupational health and welfare for all workers.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, November 19, 202, during the opening session of a three-day capacity-building training for Labour Inspectors and Commissioners held at the Ministry of Labour, EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Minister Mansuo urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training with professionalism and integrity. He further stressed the importance of periodic staff reassignment as a tool for improving efficiency, accountability, and performance within the Inspectorate.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Steven Kolubah, encouraged inspectors to take the training seriously, noting that “knowledge acquired is never wasted.”
He instructed trainers to ensure clarity, accuracy, and strict adherence to the Labour Laws of Liberia and established regulatory principles. This, he said, will enable inspectors to represent the Ministry with competence and credibility.
Deputy Minister Kolubah expressed concern about the quality of some inspection reports, attributing weaknesses to limited reporting skills and occasional interference from political appointees. Such interference, he warned, undermines the professionalism of inspectors and compromises the Ministry’s work.
“Most of our reports are unclear due to the inability of some inspectors to properly present them, as well as interference from appointees,” he said. “As we train them and tell them how to do their job, when they get into the field, allow them to work.”
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing continuous training opportunities to Labour Inspectors, Labour Commissioners, and staff across the sector, in line with the Government’s development priorities.
In brief remarks, the Deputy Inspector General of Labour, Mr. Darius Weamie, thanked inspectors for responding promptly to the training invitation despite the short notice.
Mr. Weamie, who has served at the Ministry since 2019, described the training as unprecedented, noting that he had not witnessed such a well-organized capacity-building initiative for Labour Inspectors and Commissioners under previous administrations.
“Since I joined the Ministry in January 2019, I have not seen such a unique and well-structured training conducted for inspectors. This initiative by the current leadership is commendable and highly encouraging,” he said.
He extended appreciation to the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Labour for prioritizing the empowerment of Labour Inspectors through practical education and professional development.
In closing, the Deputy Inspector General, Darius K Weamie assured the Ministry’s leadership and the public that with the enhanced training now being provided, inspectors will be better equipped to carry out their duties effectively and uphold the standards required to address labour-related issues nationwide.