By Fiona Benson
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has voted unanimously to summon the Minister of Labor, and all of his deputies to appear before the august body to show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
Lawmakers said the concerned officials are “clear act of disrespect to the legislature.”
The decision followed the failure of the Minister and his deputies to appear before plenary on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as previously mandated to do so.
The session was intended to facilitate a comprehensive review of Liberia’s minimum wage policies, and the enforcement of the Decent Work Act of 2015, that could not be held due to Labor Minister Cooper Kruah, a lawyer by professional “refusal to appear.”
Also cited to appear at the hearing were representatives from Firestone Liberia, Equatorial Palm Oil, Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC), and Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) all of whom are major employers operating under the country labor framework.
Following the minsters “refusal” to appear, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe said, the failure of the Labor Ministry officials to appear before the legislature without any formal excuse constitutes “a flagrant disregard for the authority,” and therefore mandated of the people’s representatives.”
As such, Kruah should be held in contempt charge.
In light of the absence, plenary rescheduled the appearance for Tuesday, warning that continued noncompliance may lead to punitive measures consistent with the rules and procedures of the House.
Members of the House reaffirmed their commitment to ensure full enforcement of labor laws, and protect the rights and welfare of all Liberian workers through robust oversight and accountability.