By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – Hundreds of protesters representing over 20,000 former logging workers descended on Broad Street outside the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on Monday, launching a “go-slow” action to demand the immediate settlement of millions in unpaid arrears spanning more than two decades.
The aggrieved workers, organized under the National Timber, Wood, Construction and Allied Workers Union of Liberia (NTWCA-WU), converged in front of the ministry’s premises to voice their frustration over what they describe as the government’s continued foot-dragging regarding a US$7.1 million debt.
A Two-Decade Battle for Benefits
According to the union’s leadership, the debt dates back to the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and stems from services rendered by workers across the logging sector. Despite the long delay, the group says the funds were recently recognized as a legitimate domestic debt and allotted within the national budget following high-level interventions.
“We came here in 2024 and met Minister [Augustine] Ngafuan in his office, and the allotment was done under the domestic debt of US$7.1 million, which was approved by the Legislature,” the group’s spokesman stated during the protest.
However, the union alleges that of the total amount, only US$500,000 was paid out in 2025. With the remaining balance still outstanding, the workers say they have been left with no choice but to take to the streets.
A “Wake-Up Call” for President Boakai
The spokesman emphasized that the union has been proactive in seeking a diplomatic resolution, meeting with President Joseph Boakai on at least three separate occasions since he took office.
“He (President Boakai) asked the Justice Minister for his opinion to grant him the responsibility to pay this money,” the spokesman explained. “The Justice Minister’s opinion has since been delivered to the President since late 2024, thereby paving the way for the payment to be made.”
Despite this legal clearance and the legislative allotment, the workers claim the Ministry of Finance has failed to complete the disbursement. Monday’s “go-slow” was characterized as a “wake-up call” to the government to honor its 2025 and 2026 payment promises.
The group has vowed to continue its protest and maintain its presence at the front of the Ministry of Finance until the full amount is settled.
Amid President Boakai returned to the country on Monday, there remain concerns over the amicable resolution to the matter as the aggrieved workers push on with their demand.
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