As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing labor standards nationwide, the Ministry of Labor has formally introduced Regulation No. 19, which focuses on Occupational Health, Safety, and Welfare in the Workplace. The regulation, which sets comprehensive standards for workplace safety, was unveiled at a formal ceremony attended by government officials, labor unions, private sector representatives, and civil society actors. The regulation was formally introduced at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Labor in Monrovia, with Hon. Prince Menkalo Gbieu, Chief of Staff in the Office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President. Vice President Koung, though absent due to his role on the President’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating persistent market price distortions, extended his full endorsement of the regulation, describing it as a “moral imperative” and a “strategic investment in national productivity.” “This regulation is not just a set of guidelines—it represents our collective responsibility to protect the most valuable asset we have: our workforce,” Gbieu stated. “Regulation No. 19 is not just a set of guidelines—it is a moral and economic imperative,” Gbieu declared. “It affirms that our workforce is our greatest national asset, and that protecting it is central to our development agenda.” Vice President Koung, though absent due to his engagement with the President’s Ad Hoc Committee on market price stabilization, conveyed his full support for the regulation. The committee is currently investigating the disconnect between reduced import costs and persistently high prices for transportation, rice, and basic commodities—a challenge the Vice President described as “urgent and deeply consequential for ordinary Liberians.” The newly launched regulation outlines clear obligations for employers and codifies the rights of workers, with provisions covering risk assessments, emergency preparedness, workplace inspections, and mandatory safety training. It is designed to foster a culture of accountability and care across all sectors of the economy. Labor Minister officials emphasized that the regulation will be enforced through coordinated inspections, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness campaigns. “This is a call to action,” Gbieu said. “Government, employers, unions, and workers must work together to ensure that safety is not optional—but foundational.” The launch was met with praise from labor advocates and development partners, who hailed the regulation as a long-overdue step toward aligning Liberia’s labor standards with international best practices. As the country grapples with economic pressures and rising public expectations, Regulation No. 19 is being positioned as a cornerstone of Liberia’s broader effort to restore public trust, improve productivity, and uphold the dignity of work.
