Monthly salary delayed as experienced as some civil servants, is said to have and some employees, mainly those locally assigned in part of Bong County.
At present, government is reportedly facing criticism over an unfulfilled campaign promise to increase civil servants’ salaries, and the reportedly delayed in payment.
For that, Bong County Labour Commissioner William Sumoward, has warned that growing frustration could have political consequences ahead of the next elections.
Sumoward, who spoke recently in Gbarnga said, the salary issue has become a source of concern among civil servants, who supported the Unity Party during the 2023 elections with expectations of improved working conditions.
“I began working with the Ministry of Labour during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, when I earned slightly more than US$500 a month.”
Sumoward said, his salary was later reduced to approximately US$175 during former President George Weah’s administration.
He described the reduction as “frustrating for civil servants.”
“The salary reduction was among the factors that drove me, and other workers to campaign against the Weah administration, and support the Unity Party during the 2023 elections.”
He said, the support was influenced, in part, by expectations that Pres. Boakai’s administration would address salary concerns, and improve the conditions of public-sector workers.
However, Sumoward said, those expectations have not been fully met, creating disappointment among some government employees, and supporters.
He warned that continued failure to address the salary issue could weaken political support for the Unity Party ahead of the 2029 elections.
Sumoward suggested that some supporters, who backed the party in 2023 could reconsider their position, and campaign against it if the salary concerns remain unresolved.
His remarks put renewed attention on the gap between political promises, and government delivery, particularly among public-sector workers, who depend on their salaries to meet household, and economic needs.
The salary debate also comes as the country continues to face economic challenges, with workers, and citizens calling for policies that would improve living conditions, and purchasing power.
Sumoward argued that governance should be measured by concrete results rather than campaign rhetoric.
His warning could fuel further political debate over the government’s record as the country moves towards the next election cycles.
