By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
Lofa County — Teachers in Lofa County have announced plans to stage a go-slow action in protest of unpaid salaries and changes to their compensation structure, raising concerns about possible disruptions across schools in the county.
The aggrieved teachers say they have not received their salaries since March 2025. In addition to the delay, they are also raising concerns about a recent government adjustment to the payment system, which now allocates 30 percent of salaries in Liberian dollars and 70 percent in United States dollars.
According to several teachers, many have only received the 30 percent Liberian dollar portion of their pay. Some Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree holders claim the Liberian dollar component amounts to about L$10,000, which they say is insufficient to meet their basic needs.
Teachers interviewed expressed deep frustration, noting that the prolonged delay has created hardship at home. They report difficulties paying their children’s school fees, providing food, and meeting other essential family expenses.
“It is difficult to continue teaching other people’s children while our own children are out of school,” one teacher lamented.
Some students have also confirmed that their teachers have openly discussed the salary concerns in classrooms.
The principal of Multilateral High School in the county said he sympathizes with the affected teachers, several of whom work at his institution. He disclosed that complaints have reached his office and that he has contacted the District Education Officer (DEO), Human Resource authorities, and the County Education Officer (CEO) to inform them about the situation.
Despite these efforts, the principal said teachers continue to report that their salaries remain unpaid. He warned that failure to address the issue could lead to serious disruptions if teachers proceed with the planned go-slow action.
Meanwhile, the Lofa County representative of the National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL), Mr. Sorsor T. Akoi, confirmed that his office has received multiple complaints from teachers across the county. He said the association has engaged local education authorities in an effort to resolve the matter, but no solution has yet been reached.
Mr. Akoi indicated that if the government does not act promptly, teachers will proceed with a countywide go-slow action, as the issue affects all public school teachers in Lofa.
The teachers have given the Government of Liberia until March 14 to fully settle their outstanding salaries—from March 2025 to the present—paid in both the 70 percent United States dollar and 30 percent Liberian dollar components.
They warned that failure to meet this deadline will result in a go-slow action across all schools in Lofa County.
