Monrovia, June 18, 2025 – Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has emphasized the critical need for enhanced coordination among government agencies to effectively advance Liberia’s national development agenda.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at a ceremony at the Ministry of Labour, Minister Kruah addressed recent actions by Dr. Josiah Joekai, Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA). Dr. Joekai had appeared before the Liberian Senate to discuss work permits, a matter traditionally under the Labour Ministry’s purview.
Minister Kruah strongly criticized the move, deeming it inappropriate and outside the CSA’s operational scope.
“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,” Minister Kruah explained. “These are two distinct institutions governed by different legal frameworks. 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’s remarks were made during an event where he was honored with a certificate of recognition 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 noted 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 newly issued permits, stating that only 2,484 work permits have been newly issued during his tenure. This dispels misinformation suggesting his office had issued more than 10,000 permits.
“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 his administration’s successes 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.”
Madam Sarah Kamara, Executive Director of the Association of Like-Minded Women Network, and Mr. Prince Grandoe, Executive Director 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 undeterred by political noise.”
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