But Salary Discontent Overshadows Progress
By Amos Harris
The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MOI) has finally received a fleet of newly procured staff buses—its first in more than ten years—delivering long-awaited relief to employees who have struggled with transportation challenges for over a decade.
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah confirmed the development during the Ministry’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, describing the arrival of the buses as a fulfillment of the government’s commitment to improving staff welfare. He clarified that the prolonged delay in delivery stemmed from “vendor-related issues,” not administrative negligence.
The buses, currently parked in Monrovia ahead of a formal dedication ceremony, are expected to significantly ease commuting difficulties for MOI workers and enhance productivity within the institution.
But even as the Ministry celebrates this long-overdue logistical improvement, internal dissatisfaction is intensifying.
Several MOI employees, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, told reporters that while the buses are appreciated, they do not address the chronic salary stagnation affecting low- and mid-level staff.
Many employees reportedly continue to earn US$80 and L$8,000 monthly—a pay scale they say has remained unchanged for years despite the rising cost of living.
Some staff accused Minister Piah of previously labeling the institution a “ghost ministry,” yet failing to deliver on promises to improve workers’ welfare since assuming office.
According to staff accounts, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) advised the Ministry to provide formal justification for salary adjustments. Employees claim Minister Piah has not taken decisive action, instead insisting that wage increments fall outside his direct authority.
“The Ministry of Information is one of the least paid ministries in the Republic of Liberia. We protested under the CDC government, and we can still do the same,” one frustrated employee warned. “We are calling on the MOI and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to do the needful.”
During the same briefing, former Assistant Minister for Tourism Atty. Dogba K. Norris formally ended his service at MOI as he transitions to a new role as Deputy Director General at the National Tourism Authority. He described his tenure as “meaningful and fulfilling,” applauding Minister Piah for fostering a professional work environment.
However, his departure unfolded against a backdrop of employee frustration, adding further strain to an institution struggling to balance internal morale with public service delivery.
The arrival of the buses marks a positive but incomplete milestone for a Ministry that has long faced logistical setbacks. Unresolved salary grievances and concerns about inconsistent communication between staff and leadership continue to cloud the administration’s efforts under the government’s ARREST Agenda.
As the Boakai administration promotes improved working conditions across the public sector, MOI employees say the true test lies not in symbolic progress but in whether the government will finally deliver meaningful financial relief to its lowest-paid civil servants.