By G. Watson Richards
Haywood Mission Institute is again under intensifying public scrutiny following a formal complaint filed by two former teachers with the Ministry of Labor accusing the institution of unlawful dismissal and low wages.
A Verity News investigation has again uncovered leaked internal memos, salary slips, and audio recordings that point to alleged labor rights violations, systemic intimidation of teachers, administrative hostility toward collective engagement, and complaint filed by two former teaches Moses Alexander and Elijah F. Borwah accusing the institution of wrongful termination of fixed-term contracts and low wages.
This newspaper has obtained copies of internal documents, including employment contracts, salary slips, and official correspondence, alongside accounts from both Alexander and Borwah who alleged that working conditions inside the school have become increasingly tense.
A salary slip reviewed by this paper for November 2025 shows the gross monthly earnings of some teachers to be paid L$14, 000 after deduction, the slip records net monthly salary of L$13,540.
One deduction item reads: “Absenteeism: 1 day, L$460”
According to Alexander and Borwah, the gross monthly pay is insufficient to meet basic living costs in Monrovia, especially given heavy workloads that include multiple subjects and overcrowded classrooms.
A copy of the Administrator’s and Teacher’s Contract, signed in September 2025, which copy is in the possession of the paper outlines employment terms in clear language.
On termination, the contract states that employer may terminate contract following a thirty-day written notice to the employee.
“The employer may terminate this contract, by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the employee. “The employee may terminate this contract, by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the employer.”
On the issue of salary compensation, the contract noted that each month, employee shall be paid a base monthly of L$14, 00.00 on or before the 5th of each month.
“Each month… the Employee shall be paid a base monthly salary of: L$14,000.00… on or before the 5th of each month,” the contract stated.
The contract also allows immediate dismissal in serious cases: “The Employee may be dismissed without notice for actions which endanger the welfare, safety, security and/or reputation of the Employer…”
In a letter dated January 23, 2026, the administrator of Haywood Mission Institution informed Moses Alexander that no formal employment contract was ever executed for him. “No formal employment contract was ever executed.”
However, Alexander informed this paper that he holds a signed contract covering September 2025 to June 2026, raising questions about the school’s stated position.
A suspension letter reviewed by this newspaper accused both dismissed teachers of organizing their colleagues to stage a protest and or demonstration on the premises of the school, something which they claimed that it is against the standards of operations.
“You… organized and collected teachers to participate in an unsanctioned collective action… with the intent to stage a work slowdown,” the suspension latter noted.
It further states: “Participating in or urging others to participate in a strike, slowdown… or any other type of work interruption. You are hereby suspended… for a period of five (5) working days.”
However, the both dismissed teachers denied any strike activity, insisting they only submitted a petition.
“We only signed a petition. We asked for better pay and respect,” one Moses said.
A formal complaint dated April 1, 2026, was filed with the Ministry of Labor by Moses Alexander and Elijah F. Borwah alleging unlawful termination of their fixed-term employment contracts.
“We respectfully submit this formal complaint for the unlawful termination of our fixed-term employment contracts. Without notice, explanation, or compensation,” the complaint stated in part.
The teachers argue that their contracts required 30 days’ notice prior to termination, which they say was not observed.
The contract also contains broad provisions affecting pay, including conditions under which salaries may be withheld.
“Work stoppage for more than three (3) days; failure on the part of the Employee to observe all regulations…”
It further attributes salary levels to currency depreciation: “The current… salary structure is a consequence of the drastic depreciation of the Liberian Dollar…”
The dismissed teachers, however, argue that these clauses do not justify abrupt dismissals or low pay.
Several teachers allege they were discouraged from raising concerns, citing warnings from administrators. “Leave if you are not satisfied.”
Some also claim colleagues who supported the petition were singled out for disciplinary action.
Both dismissed teachers are now calling for government intervention to investigate the dispute and determine whether labor laws were violated.
For now, teaching continues at the Haywood Mission Institute, while Borwah and Alexander are fighting for justice over their alleged dismissal.
“This is not just about us. It’s about how teachers are treated,” they lamented.
This paper contacted the Mr. Y. Johnson Gayflor, Vice Principal for Instructions, at the Haywood Mission Institute for response on the 29th of April 2026. A follow-up was made two days after for his response but up to the production of this paper he has not responded.
Verity investigation also reached out to one Mr. Mynezo, the Junior High Annex Administrator of Haywood Mission Institute and Ms. Alberta Nyema, Registrar of Haywood for comments but all efforts were not successful.
