The National Youth Congress of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has issued a sharp rebuttal to what it calls “politically motivated and misleading allegations” leveled against its senior leaders particularly Minister of Labor Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr. and the legacy of the late Senator and party founder, Evangelist Prince Y. Johnson.
In a press statement released on Monday, the MDR Youth Wing strongly condemned recent claims by civil society groups, notably a joint press release signed by Mr. Jefferson B. Knight of the Civil Society and Trade Union Institutions of Liberia, which accused Minister Kruah of corruption and the unauthorized sale of over 8,000 work permits.
The MDR dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and “misleading,” warning that such narratives not only distort statutory processes but also aim to erode public trust in the Labor Ministry.
“The issuance of work permits is a regulated, transparent, and security-involved process governed by the Decent Work Act of 2015,” the statement read. “All revenues are properly channeled through the Liberia Revenue Authority and Ministry of Finance. These accusations, lacking factual and legal merit, threaten the integrity of public service.”
The Youth Congress also took aim at Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, accusing him of spearheading a long-standing campaign of political attacks against MDR leadership, particularly targeting the memory of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The MDR described Dillon’s criticisms as “divisive, disrespectful, and politically self-serving.”
“Senator Dillon’s continued attacks are not motivated by national interest but are an attempt to remain politically relevant through public deception,” the statement added. “This includes his contradictions regarding the Senate’s own mandate for the Labor Ministry to generate $10.5 million in revenue of which work permit fees are a key part.”
The MDR Youth Wing warned that such political vendettas only undermine national unity and distract from meaningful development goals. They called on civil society and lawmakers to pursue truth and justice through lawful, fact-based processes.
“Liberia’s democracy must not be reduced to smear campaigns and rhetorical warfare. We urge all actors to engage constructively and uphold the dignity of every Liberian citizen,” the group stated.
The press statement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the MDR’s commitment to labor reform, good governance, and democratic accountability. It also highlighted the party’s foundational role in Liberia’s post-war democratic transition referencing the historic 2016 Ganta Declaration alliance between the MDR, Liberty Party, and others.
“We remain dedicated to peace, progress, and defending the integrity of our leaders against political blackmail and intimidation,” the Youth Congress asserted.
