BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA – Frontline health workers at Phebe Hospital in Bong County staged a go-slow protest on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, citing salary disparities, unsafe working conditions, and administrative lapses. The action disrupted healthcare delivery across the hospital, leaving several wards quiet and patients unattended.
The employees, who have repeatedly raised concerns with hospital authorities, demanded the immediate removal of key management officials, including Administrator Jonathan Pewu, Medical Director Dr. Ricks, and Human Resource Officer Abraham Gbalawoe. Staff also expressed frustration over the disbursement of their salaries, noting that US$700, normally credited to their accounts, had been reduced to US$150.
According to the protesting staff, unresolved issues included delayed payments, lack of employment benefits, poor working conditions, and uncertainty about the employment status of long-serving employees. The disruptions highlighted the growing tensions between hospital staff and management.
Speaking on behalf of the employees, Moses D. David, head of the Phebe Hospital Employees Association, warned that the protest would continue until demands were met. “We have engaged authorities in good faith and exercised patience over a long period of time,” David said. “But our patience has been stretched beyond limit. We will not abandon this protest until our demands are met.”
A Smart News reporter on the scene observed wards largely deserted, with family members attending to patients in the absence of nurses and frontline staff. The maternity and emergency units were particularly affected, raising concerns about patient safety and access to care.
In response, the Board of Trustees of Phebe Hospital issued a press release condemning the go-slow action. The statement reads: “We call on all employees to return to work while the investigation continues. Phebe Hospital remains open, with medical doctors and essential staff on duty to serve the public.” The Board emphasized its commitment to a peaceful resolution and patient safety, assuring stakeholders, including the Lutheran, Episcopal, and Methodist Churches, that investigations into grievances are ongoing.
The press release further outlined that the Board had received a 12-count resolution from employees on January 13, 2026, and convened an emergency meeting on January 23. “After careful consideration, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of a new Administrator, effective February 1, 2026. The Acting Administrator and Acting Human Resource Manager were directed to resume their substantive positions,” the release noted.
To ensure transparency, the Board established a five-member Investigation Committee chaired by the Superintendent of Bong County. The Committee engaged employees, investigated grievances, and delivered relief in the form of 375 bags of rice, although workers rejected the offer and issued a two-week ultimatum, the press release added.
The Ministry of Health also intervened, with Minister Dr. Louis Kpoto meeting employees on February 24, urging them to return to work. The Board’s statement confirmed that the employees had agreed to comply with the Minister’s request, while negotiations and investigations continued.
