A new wave of protest has erupted at Phebe Hospital, as aggrieved staff on Monday, April 6, 2026, staged a strike action over unpaid salaries, disputed leadership decisions, and concerns surrounding staff reinstatement. The latest action follows an earlier standoff in February that resulted in the suspension of seven employees for participating in an unauthorized strike. Although the Civil Service Agency later mandated their reinstatement, tensions at the hospital have continued to escalate.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Michael Thomas, Vice President of the hospital’s Workers Union, said employees have lost confidence in the institution’s leadership, including the Medical Director, Acting HR Officer, and Acting Administrator.
According to Thomas, a “14-count” grievance document was submitted over a month ago to the Ministry of Health, the Civil Service Agency, and other authorities, but has yet to receive any meaningful response. He further revealed that the situation has been compounded by the government’s decision to transfer three staff members—an action the affected employees have rejected. At the center of the dispute is the handling of the seven reinstated workers. Though they were ordered back to work following intervention from President Boakai and the Ministry of Health, staff claim the reinstatement process has not been properly implemented.
Protesters allege that the reinstated employees were not paid for March despite actively working during that period. They also accuse authorities of removing the workers from the government payroll, a move they describe as being in direct contradiction of the President’s directive. In addition, the workers have rejected a newly assigned HR officer and accuse hospital leadership of deliberately undermining government decisions. The aggrieved staff have now issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding immediate payment of salaries owed to the affected employees. They warned that failure to comply will result in a total shutdown of the hospital.
Taking a firm stance, the workers declared there will be “no compromise or negotiation” unless the current leadership is removed. In March, the Civil Service Agency had instructed hospital authorities to lift the suspension of the seven employees following high-level engagements involving the Presidency and health sector stakeholders—a move intended to restore stability and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. However, the renewed protest signals that deep-rooted issues, particularly regarding salary payments and trust in leadership, remain unresolved. With essential health services now under threat, the ongoing crisis at Phebe Hospital poses serious risks to patients in Bong County and surrounding areas. A prolonged impasse could significantly disrupt healthcare delivery across the region. Meanwhile, the hospital’s Communication Officer, Samuel Kplaiwru, says the administration will soon address the public to clarify its position on the matter.
Author: Samuel B. Johnson
