Verity investigation has uncovered multiple leaked videos accusing Assistant Labor Minister Emmanuel Zorh Jr. of intervening to protect several foreign business operators who are purportedly conducting commercial activities without valid work permits.
According to multiple inspectors within the Ministry of Labor, routine monitoring exercises have been disrupted by business owners who claim affiliation with the Assistant Minister.
Some inspectors say foreign traders-identified in video footage as Lebanese and other non-Liberian nationals-were seen operating behind shop counters despite reportedly lacking the required documentation.
In one recorded incident referenced by inspectors, a shop operator refused to produce work-permit papers, telling inspectors, “You can’t come here. We are protected.”
Several inspectors further alleged that when they attempt to carry out routine checks, Assistant Minister Zorh often questions the purpose of the inspections rather than supporting enforcement efforts. One inspector recalled being asked, “Who sent you there?”-a reaction they say discouraged continued monitoring.
Inspectors claim these alleged interventions have allowed some businesses to avoid paying statutory work-permit fees, raising concerns about lost government revenue and weakened regulatory oversight.
Businesses Referenced by Inspectors (October 6, 2025)
Jet Building Material–GSA Road, Paynesville, Liberia (Contact: Min. Deba Johnson)
Nari Enterprise – Duport Road, Paynesville, Liberia (Contact: Darius K. Weamie)
York Trading Material–Parker Paint Junction, Paynesville, Liberia (Contact: Michael Philip)
Meena Trading – Red-Light, Soul Clinic Junction, Paynesville (Contact: Darius K. Weamie)
Bill Delamou Trading Center – Omega, Paynesville, Liberia (Contact: Min. Emmanuel Zorh Jr.)
Monrovia City Builder – 22nd Street, Monrovia, and Liberia (Contact: Darius K. Weamie)
Other businesses include:
G5 Group of Company – Cocola Factory (Person of Interest: Emmanuel Zorh Jr.)
Ezone Electronics Best Dealing Center – Parker Paint Junction, Paynesville (Person of Interest: Emmanuel Zorh Jr.)
Star Building Material Store – Soul Clinic Junction, Paynesville (Person of Interest: Emmanuel Zorh Jr.)
Sarla Business Center – Red Hill, Omega (Person of Interest: Emmanuel Zorh Jr.)
B.V.N Group of Company – After Soul Clinic Junction, Paynesville (Person of Interest: Michael Philip)
Food Town Store–Pipeline, Red-Light, and Paynesville (Person of Interest: Solomon Workar)
One inspector, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals, described the situation as “an ongoing challenge,” adding that some business operators now believe they are exempt from regulatory compliance because of alleged political backing.
The inspectors stress that work-permit payments remain a legal requirement for all non-citizens conducting business in Liberia.
They warn that any interference with enforcement could significantly affect government revenue collection and undermine transparency within the labor regulatory system.
The matter continues to evolve as inspectors call for clearer directives and stronger institutional support in addressing alleged non-compliance.
