Ministry of Labour Summons Mining and Railway Firms Over Compliance Concerns

MONROVIA — The Ministry of Labour has formally summoned the managements of Bao-CHICO and China Railway Development to a high-level conference to address critical deficiencies in labour administration and workplace standards. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, January 29, 2026, will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Minister’s Conference Room at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

The summons, issued by the Office of the Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., follows reports of the companies’ alleged failure to adhere to established national procedures. Key among the concerns is the companies’ compliance with alien registration protocols and the acquisition of work permits for expatriate employees. Furthermore, the Ministry intends to investigate the status of employment and training programs for Liberian workers, which are mandatory under the Ministry of Labour’s Strategic and Business Plans.

To facilitate a comprehensive review, the Ministry has mandated both firms to produce an extensive list of documentation during the conference. These requirements include copies of their Concession Agreements with the Government of Liberia, all sub-contractual agreements, and valid work permits for every expatriate staff member. Additionally, the companies must provide official government flag receipts for permit payments, complete payrolls for both foreign and local staff, and their official Human Resource and Occupational Health and Safety policy manuals.

The investigation carries significant weight due to the scale of the companies’ operations. Bao-CHICO is currently engaged in major mining activities in Gbarpolu County, while China Railway Development is tasked with the critical construction of a railway corridor in Gbarpolu and a new port facility in Bomi County.

The Ministry of Labour has emphasized that these measures are part of a broader commitment to ensuring that foreign investment projects operate transparently while prioritizing the safety and professional development of the Liberian workforce.