MONROVIA – The Senate has raised alarm over the Ministry of Health’s failure to place thousands of voluntary health workers on the government payroll, despite their critical role in Liberia’s struggling healthcare system.
During a hearing on Thursday, March 20, 2025, health officials revealed that out of 9,000 voluntary health workers across the country, only a little over 300 are being processed for payroll inclusion due to budgetary constraints. The revelation sparked concern among senators, who argued that the slow pace threatens healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where voluntary workers form the backbone of medical services.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence also warned the Ministry of Health and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) against retiring specialized health professionals without immediate replacements, cautioning that such moves could create dangerous gaps in the sector.
Beyond healthcare, the Senate has instructed its Committee on Mines and Energy to collaborate with the Ministry of Mines to formulate a national budget-backed plan to combat illegal mining, which continues to pose economic and environmental threats.
Additionally, lawmakers have summoned the President’s legal adviser, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and the Minister of Justice to address allegations that they have been providing “illegal advice” to the President regarding appointments to tenure-protected positions. Senators argue that recent appointments may violate established laws, raising concerns over governance and constitutional adherence.
