Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr. has issued a strong warning to private security companies operating in Liberia, urging them to comply with the country’s minimum wage law or face enforcement actions from the Ministry of Labour.
Minister Kruah said the government will not tolerate the continued underpayment of workers, particularly private security guards, many of whom are reportedly earning far below the legally mandated minimum wage of US$143 per month as provided under Liberia’s Decent Work Act.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Labour Minister expressed concern over complaints that some security firms are paying guards as little as US$75 monthly, describing the practice as both unlawful and exploitative. “We want to publicly encourage these companies to correct this situation immediately,” Kruah said. “The Ministry of Labour will ensure that private security guards are not paid less than US$143 per month.”
The Minister also raised concerns about what he described as growing attempts by some companies to sidestep labour obligations by hiring workers through subcontractors. According to him, the arrangement is often used to avoid providing benefits such as pensions and other entitlements owed to employees. Kruah said the Ministry is closely monitoring such practices as part of broader efforts to strengthen labour protections and ensure that employers meet their legal responsibilities.
As part of that effort, the release noted that the Labour Ministry is in the process of establishing a Special Inspection Team that will carry out a nationwide review of private security firms. The inspections will focus on employment contracts, payroll records, and other documentation to determine whether companies are complying with Liberia’s labour laws.
According to the release, Companies found in violation, the Minister warned, will be required to compensate workers for any wage differences owed to them.
The Labour Minister made the remarks over the weekend when he was honored by the Coalition of Sinoe Employees, which recognized him for what it described as his commitment to protecting workers’ rights and strengthening labour governance in Liberia.
Author: Victor Quaye
