In a significant move aimed at improving the financial well-being of Liberia’s healthcare workforce, the Ministry of Health (MOH), the National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL), and Ecobank Liberia Limited have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand banking access and services for public health workers across the country.
The agreement, signed on Thursday at the Ministry of Health offices in Congo Town, seeks to streamline the opening of payroll accounts, provide access to affordable loans, and enhance other essential financial services for thousands of Liberian health workers.
Present at the signing ceremony were key representatives from all three institutions, including Hon. Martha C. Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration, who represented the Ministry; Mr. Francis Kerkula, President of NAHWUL; and Mr. Gibson K. Kollie, Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Liberia. Also in attendance were Cllr. Tomik L. J. Vobah, MOH General Counsel, and Mr. James Beyan, the Ministry’s Human Resource Director.
Deputy Minister Morris hailed the agreement as a critical step in supporting frontline health workers. “This is more than just a banking agreement; it is a partnership for progress,” she stated. “The well-being of our health workers directly affects the quality of care in our hospitals and clinics. Today’s agreement ensures that our workforce has access to timely salary payments, affordable loans, and electronic banking services.”
She praised Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto for her leadership in bringing the initiative to fruition. “I am grateful to Dr. Kpoto for ensuring that this initiative is achieved in the best interest of our health workers,” Minister Morris added. “I assure all the health workers across the country and Ecobank Liberia of the success of this agreement.”
The MOU is expected to ease the banking burden faced by many rural-based health professionals, improve financial literacy, and encourage responsible borrowing through structured loan packages offered by Ecobank.
Mr. Francis Kerkula, NAHWUL President, welcomed the agreement, saying it reflects a growing recognition of the critical role health workers play in national development. “We are pleased that this initiative prioritizes the welfare of our members,” he said.
For Ecobank Liberia, the partnership is aligned with the bank’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion. “This is a strategic collaboration that will enhance access to modern banking services for health workers who form an essential part of the nation’s workforce,” said Gibson Kollie.
The initiative comes at a time when Liberia continues to rebuild and strengthen its healthcare delivery system, and officials believe that improving the financial welfare of health workers is a key step in ensuring long-term sustainability and quality care for citizens.
