MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the national minimum wage within the central government, dismissing claims that some civil servants earn below the legally mandated USD 150 per month.
Addressing the issue during a media engagement on Thursday in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan stated, “During the national budget formulation process, the President gave a clear directive, and the budget was adjusted accordingly to ensure that no employee of the central government earns below the minimum wage of USD 150.” I am pleased to confirm that this commitment has been fully implemented.”
The Decent Work Act, which governs labor standards across Liberia, mandates a minimum monthly wage of USD 150 for all workers, both in the public and private sectors. While the Ministry of Labor is tasked with monitoring compliance in the private sector, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has taken full responsibility for ensuring that central government payrolls adhere to the law.
Minister Ngafuan clarified that reports of civil servants receiving less than USD 150 are often the result of confusion between gross and net pay. He explained that deductions such as taxes, social security contributions, and personal loan repayments do not constitute a violation of the minimum wage law. “Government salaries are disbursed in a dual-currency structure, with 70% in U.S. dollars and 30% in Liberian dollars. This arrangement, coupled with individual financial obligations, may impact the final take-home amount, but does not alter the official salary structure,” he said.
Recognizing the importance of public understanding of government finances, Minister Ngafuan stressed the need for enhanced financial literacy. “We acknowledge that more must be done to improve public financial literacy. A well-informed public is essential for transparency and accountability, and we are committed to open communication,” he said, urging all government employees with concerns about their pay to seek clarification through the appropriate administrative channels.
