By Amos Harris
The crisis at Phebe Hospital in Suakoko District continues to deepen, with growing public protests, heightened security, and a prolonged health workers’ strike leaving one of Liberia’s major referral hospitals largely paralyzed and thousands of patients without access to essential medical services.
Early Wednesday, dozens of women from Suakoko and surrounding communities staged a peaceful protest on the hospital compound, calling on the Government of Liberia to urgently intervene and restore full operations at the facility. The demonstrators warned that the continued disruption of healthcare services is placing countless lives at risk. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the protesters appealed to the government to put the welfare of patients above the ongoing administrative dispute. They stressed that Phebe Hospital serves not only Bong County but also neighboring counties, making the shutdown a matter of national public health concern.
The protest comes as members of the Phebe Hospital Workers’ Union remain on strike, insisting they will not return to work until three senior officials Medical Director Dr. Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks, Hospital Administrator Jonathan Pewu, and Human Resources Officer Peter Gbelarwo are removed from their positions. Union leaders described their demand as non-negotiable, accusing the hospital’s leadership of creating an unfavorable and hostile working environment. They maintain that healthcare workers will continue their industrial action until their grievances are addressed.
The strike has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery, forcing patients to seek treatment at other facilities while raising serious concerns about the availability of emergency and life-saving medical services. Residents fear that further delays in resolving the dispute could lead to avoidable deaths. As frustration continues to mount, community members have announced plans for additional mass protests demanding the immediate reopening of the hospital.
In response, the Liberia National Police’s Bong County Detachment deployed officers around the hospital to maintain law and order and prevent possible confrontations. Security officers were stationed at the hospital’s main entrance as residents gathered, while authorities closely monitored the situation amid fears that tensions could escalate into violence. Many residents argue that although disagreements between management and employees deserve attention, innocent patients should not be made victims of an internal labor dispute. They are urging both parties to return to the negotiating table without further delay.
The crisis has also taken a legal turn following the release of three officials of the Phebe Hospital Workers’ Union by the Gbarnga City Magisterial Court after they spent two days in detention. The officials, Peter Yallah, James Sumo, and Moses D.N. Davis, were charged with physical obstruction of government functions, rioting, terrorist threat, and disorderly conduct. The charges stem from a complaint filed by Dr. Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks on behalf of the hospital administration.
According to court documents, the complaint alleges that the accused disrupted hospital operations, intimidated staff members, created fear among employees, and interfered with the normal functioning of the institution. However, the allegations remain before the court and have not been proven. The three defendants secured their release after Moses G. Dwee, M. Emmanuel D. Waisakollie, Michael H. Thomas, and Obediah Karmue signed a promissory bond guaranteeing their appearance whenever required by the court. The case remains pending, and under Liberian law, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Despite the worsening situation, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health, has yet to publicly announce a comprehensive plan to resolve the impasse or facilitate negotiations between the hospital administration and the workers’ union. Residents, patients, and community leaders continue to express frustration over what they describe as a slow government response to a crisis that threatens healthcare delivery across Bong County and neighboring regions. They warn that every day the hospital remains crippled places more lives in danger.
With protesters intensifying pressure, health workers refusing to resume duties, court proceedings underway, and security forces maintaining a visible presence, the future of Phebe Hospital remains uncertain as the deadlock shows no immediate signs of ending.
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