[O’Neill A.R. Philips]
Monrovia — Labour Minister, Cooper W. Kruah has given a 30 – day ultimatum to Bangli, a Chinese company mining ores in the concession area of China Union in Bong Mines to develope and improve employees welfare, sanitation and harmonious industrious working relationship in its concession area.
Min. Kruah made the demand on Friday, November 14, 2025 when he met with employees and executives of Bangli at its industrial site in Bong Mines, Bong County.
The Labour boss gave a 30 – day ultimatum for Bangli to construct and, or develop a clinic with ambulance service in its concession area for emergency purposes.
He said the company must also within the same time frame hire the professional services of a Liberian nurse or doctor.
The Labour Minister said an equipped clinic with trained staff in Bangli’s concession area will serve emergency health purposes for employees and prevent unwanted health issues.
“We are giving you thirty days to construct or have a clinic here for your employees,” Min. Kruah demanded. ” You must also have an ambulance, it doesn’t have to be big, but you need it here. It will be here whenever any of your employees get hurt or sick while on job,” he coached.
Moreover, Min. Kruah requested the company to procure safety gears, including personal protective equipment( PPE), helmets, boots and gloves for its employees within two weeks of the visitation.
Furthermore, the Labour Minister mandated the company to build toilet facility and construct borehole within
sixty days. The borehole, according to Minister Kruah will supply water for sanitation purposes.
Additionally,he told Bangli to improve its method of deducting Social Security tax from employees with a system of transparency.
However, he thanked the company for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the workers union that paved the way for Liberians to take over jobs that are being done by the Chinese in the soonest possible time.
He also appreciated the company for providing transportation service for the employees, but urged them to continue same en route to the mines.
He appealed to executives of Bangli to also build dwelling homes for its workers in the concessional area, but with an extended time frame.
In response, Bangli General Manager, Lyu Wen Ying appreciated Minister Kruah and delegation, and said his company is in the process of delivering housing facility for its workers and is building five toilets in its concessional area.
Mr. Wen Ying said there is also a clinic with a Chinese doctor in the area, but will now consider Liberians for the post, while promising improve hygiene and sanitation services in the area.
He promised to adhere to all recommendations forwarded by Minister Kruah within the specific time frame, and noted that they are in the interest of the company.
Earlier, Minister Kruah in an open discussion with workers of Bangli, Mr. Sam Kpehe, the workers union president said issue surrounding their Social Security deduction was not clear.
He also complained of poor sanitation condition for his members. However, he praised Bangli for enabling condition for smooth transportation to and from work, meal and other services.
” The company is doing her best. All we want is let them give us our Social Security card,” he noted.” But on the overall, we appreciate them for bringing us to and from work, providing safe drinking water and meal,” he added.
Minister Kruah’s visit and ultimatum to Bangli comes in the wake of a strike action by some workers of the company over a week ago.
Bangli has employed about 162 Liberians with 53 Chinese.
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