Due to its inability to address long-standing arrears, hundreds of aggrieved workers assembled in front of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning on Broad Street, demanding that the government of Liberia pay their arrears due to them.
The workers stated that the arrears owed to them by the government have been a long-standing issue, with no payments made for 13 months.
Their action brought the workings of the government, specifically the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, to a halt, attempting to bring the entire government to a standstill.
The Liberian National Police, well-armed and equipped with batons and protective vests, stood in front of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning building on Broad Street during the morning hours of Monday to prevent protesters who are members of the Temporary Employment for Community Youth (TECY).
The protesters under the TECY project are seeking payment of the 13 months’ arrears reportedly owed to them by the government. They expressed frustration with President N. Boakai’s administration, referencing “The Rescue Mission” after 13 months of hard work without payment.
Filled with tears and visible anger, the TECY workers made one clear demand: their overdue salaries. In addition, they expressed their disappointment in a frustrated tone, stating, “We are disappointed with the government of Liberia; they have made repeated promises but failed to deliver on them.”
Another protester added, “We removed the CDC because they refused to pay us on time. Interestingly, those for whom we stood in line for hours to vote are doing the worst.” Another protester stated, “We need our pay, or no one will work in peace at any government entity.”
Meanwhile, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, along with some officials, engaged the protesters, giving the government’s commitment to address their concerns. He assured them that the government of Liberia would resolve their problems in a timely manner.
Immediately, the Minister of Finance constituted a committee to work alongside the aggrieved workers to ascertain the facts of the matter. The TECY workers play a critical role in keeping Monrovia clean, managing tasks such as clearing streets, cleaning beaches, and maintaining waterways. However, their essential contributions have been met with continued neglect, leaving many in dire financial straits.
As tensions escalated, many onlookers expressed sympathy for the TECY workers, condemning the government’s lack of action.
The protest highlights growing dissatisfaction with the Boakai administration’s handling of economic issues, with some citizens questioning whether the government’s promises to alleviate hardship are genuine.
As TECY workers vow to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, pressure is mounting on the government to address the grievances of its most vulnerable citizens.
By: Emmanuel Sarkoh – Intern Reporter
