By D. Zawu Kota, Supply Chain Professional
Bea Mountain Company
Western Liberia
President Joseph Boakai must urgently address the growing frustration among Liberians from the grips of rising unemployment, rather than authorizing work permits for foreign nationals – particularly in roles that qualified Liberians are fully capable of performing.
This practice is not only economically harmful but rather, it is morally unjust. While Liberians remain jobless, struggling to feed their families, the government is enabling foreign labour to take up positions that should be reserved for its citizens. This sends a painful message: that the sacrifices of ordinary Liberians, including those who stood for hours under pouring rain to support President Boakai’s campaign, are being taken for granted.
The recent trend of issuing work permits to Indian nationals for jobs that require no special expertise undermines the local workforce and deepens the already dire economic challenges faced by ordinary Liberians. This is not only an affront to national dignity but a direct contradiction to the President’s promise of putting Liberians first.
The Minister of Labour must be held fully accountable for what appears to be acts of administrative negligence and cruelty – approving employment opportunities for foreigners while Liberian families go hungry. The Ministry’s actions must reflect a commitment to the welfare of Liberians, not the convenience of foreign business interests.
These decisions – especially under the watch of the Minister of Labour – reflect a disconnect from the everyday realities of the people. These actions demonstrate a troubling indifference to the suffering of the very citizens this government was elected to serve – reflecting a gross insensitivity to the struggles of ordinary Liberians and by extension constituting severe lapses in moral and administrative responsibility.
Leadership demands accountability, and the Minister must not be exempt. The government must uphold its promise to put LIBERIANS FIRST – not just in words, but in concrete, measurable action.
If this trend continues unchecked, it may stir national frustration to a dangerous level – opening the door for calls to return to the very leadership Liberians chose to move away from. A reversal back to former President George Weah, out of desperation, would be a tragic commentary on the Boakai administration’s failure to deliver the change it promised.
Liberians deserve better. It is time for real leadership and real accountability; the people are watching. The hope they placed in this government must not be betrayed.
Sincerely spoken,
I remain.
