Amid growing public concern over the issuance of more than 10,000 work permits to foreign nationals for jobs that Liberians are qualified to perform, Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah has once again come under scrutiny, this time over allegations of corruption.
Verity News Investigation has obtained a letter signed by Minister Kruah granting a fee waiver for 42 Chinese nationals employed by a private company called Bangali PTE Limited in Congo Town.
The company wrote to the Minister on May 12 of this year, requesting temporary work permits for these foreign workers.
In a highly questionable decision that lacks due diligence and legal justification, the Minister approved a six-month exemption from the required government fees.
Leaked documents in possession of this paper alleged that each of the 42 waivers was secured through a direct payment of $250 to the Minister personally.
It is important to note that no legal framework exists to support the issuance of such waivers or temporary permits for foreign workers.
Verity’s investigation established from multiple sources at the Ministry of Labor and across concession areas that these unauthorized permits or waivers have been used by Minister Kruah as a means to collect funds directly, diverting revenue that should otherwise have been paid into government coffers.
A high-ranking source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that numerous subcontractors of different companies, including PSI, Afcon, and others, have benefited from similar waivers, further depriving the Liberian government of rightful revenue.
Given the severity of these allegations, a labor expert is calling on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch a full-scale investigation into Minister Kruah’s conduct.
The expert also urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to act decisively if his administration is serious about reforming the labor sector and restoring public trust.
This is not the first time Cllr. Kruah has faced accusations of financial misconduct. He is already on record for allegedly embezzling over $1.6 million USD and L$26 million during his tenure as Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
Political pundits and opposition parties have increasingly questioned President Boakai’s inaction on what they describe as one of the most blatant corruption cases within his administration.
Many are left wondering why Cllr. Cooper Kruah, now dubbed by some as a “corruption czar,” continues to hold such a pivotal cabinet position without facing consequences.
