Monrovia, Liberia – An investigation by Verity News has revealed growing unrest at the Hope for Women Health Center as a group of dedicated healthcare professionals publicly demand redress from the Ministry of Labor, citing months of unpaid wages, threats, poor working conditions, and blatant violations of Liberia’s Decent Work Act of 2015.
In a formal letter dated September 4, 2024, and addressed to the Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, fourteen staff members, including midwives, nurses, lab technicians, and support workers, outlined a series of grievances that paint a troubling picture of working conditions at one of Liberia’s prominent women’s health facilities.
The Hope for Women’s Health Center is owned and operated by former Health Minister Dr. Willimena Jallah.
An anonymous source informed Verity News that Dr. Jallah allegedly owes staff arrears in salaries for over six months, spanning from July 2024 to the present.
When staff confronted Dr. Jallah about the unpaid wages, she reportedly handed them a check and stated that the hospital was no longer receiving patients and could not say when she would pay the overdue salaries and benefits.
The source further claims Dr. Jallah informed the workers that, in addition to the four months’ unpaid salaries, their wages would be cut by 50%.
Our investigation revealed that this 50% salary reduction proposal, made by Dr. Jallah, was implemented in August 2025, but only contractors accepted the reduced amount.
“This issue started back in July, when she owed us for four months. When the 26th came, we expected some payment, but she said nothing. She even told us that the clinic was shutting down and she had no funds to pay us,” disclosed an anonymous staff member.
The complaint accuses the facility’s management, allegedly led by Dr. Willimena Jallah and Sorsor Jallah, of failing to pay five months’ worth of salaries, forcing staff to work long hours without overtime compensation, and denying leave entitlements for up to thirteen years in some cases.
Disturbingly, the staff allege they have been threatened with dismissal or token payments of just USD 1.00 per month if they pursue legal action.
Among the affected workers are Matthew C. Dogbe, Physician Assistant; Olivia Paul, Lab Technician; Sarah Artis, Midwife; Gorpu Dakemu, Midwife; Nancy K. Wilson, Registrar/Respiratory Therapist; Jackline P. Nyemah, Nurse Assistant; Stephen N. Tuwah, Lab Assistant; Glorious C. Naghe, Nurse Aid/Vaccinator; Eric T. Sayeweh, Security; Bealling Gaye, Cleaner; Cecelia Mulbah, Domestic Worker at Dr. Jallah’s Residence; John Dean, Pharmacist/Dispenser; Gretta Garwee, Registrar; and Mai Logan Gotomo, Scrub Nurse.
In a letter dated October 9, 2024, General Manager Tanue Jallah warned staff member Glorious Nagbe, a midwife, that their continued refusal to accept unpaid salaries might result in termination.
However, the workers argue that collecting partial or irregular payments could be construed as a waiver of their claims.
Additionally, the employees raised concerns about tax deductions made for the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) from their salaries, despite never receiving valid identification cards or documentation to verify their contributions to the national social security scheme.
Now turning to the Ministry of Labor for urgent intervention, the workers are demanding not only the payment of their full five months’ salaries but also accountability and the enforcement of fair labor standards.
“This is not just about money; it’s about our dignity, our rights, and the future of healthcare workers in Liberia,” shared one midwife, requesting anonymity.
The healthcare workers have expressed their commitment to their duties but insist that justice must prevail for the future well-being of Liberia’s healthcare system.
