An investigation by Verity News has uncovered a leaked letter, dated December 6, 2024, in which Liberia’s Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, appears to solicit employment for five individuals by directly recommending them to iron ore giant Western Cluster.
The letter, obtained exclusively by Verity News, raises serious ethical and legal concerns, as it reflects what critics say is a clear breach of the 2015 Decent Work Act-the very law the Ministry of Labor is mandated to uphold.
In the correspondence addressed to Western Cluster’s CEO, Mr. Joseph Coelho, Minister Kruah acknowledged the company’s limited effort to hire 15 Liberians but expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the move “does not actually address our expectation.” He then proceeded to recommend five individuals from the Ministry’s employment database for executive and administrative positions within the company.
Among those recommended were individuals with degrees ranging from Ph.D. to bachelor’s-level qualifications, with suggested roles including Government Relations Liaison, Human Resources, Finance/Accounts, Resident Nurse, and Financial Analyst.
Legal experts argue that this kind of political recommendation for employment positions crosses a regulatory line. “The Ministry’s role is to regulate labor practices-not to make employment recommendations to private companies,” said one legal analyst familiar with the matter.
According to Chapter 34.2 of the Executive Law-which outlines the statutory functions of the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry is responsible for promoting and regulating labor relations, conducting manpower studies, and ensuring fair labor practices. Nowhere in the law is the Ministry authorized to directly recommend individuals for employment in private entities.
In addition, the Bureau of Employment, referenced in the Minister’s letter, is specifically mandated to identify positions occupied by foreigners that should be held by qualified Liberians. It is not empowered to funnel individuals into job openings through direct ministerial intervention.
The Minister’s actions, critics argue, amount to administrative overreach and could be construed as patronage-a practice that undermines the credibility of the Ministry and its mission to foster fair and transparent labor practices.
“This is more than just a lapse in judgment-it’s a blatant misuse of public office for potential political or personal gain,” said a former labor official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
This revelation comes at a sensitive time, as Western Cluster has been under scrutiny for delays in delivering on its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), including construction of a concentrator plant, a dedicated transport route, a jetty, and a washing facility-all of which were referenced in the Minister’s letter.
While the letter emphasizes the government’s desire to ensure employment opportunities for Liberians, labor advocates warn that such direct intervention undermines both the rule of law and public trust.
An insider at the Labor Ministry confirmed that sending people for a specific position, outside of them going through vetting signals compromise and point regulatory infractions in case of Labor violations.
An internal Policy Document of the ministry cities clear violations of the Labor Laws of Liberia.
As calls grow for accountability, the Ministry of Labor has yet to respond publicly to inquiries about the legality and ethics of the Minister’s actions.
