-Decent Work Act Amended, LBS Probed Over Coverage Gap
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Former President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is set to address members of the House of Representatives during a special plenary sitting on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The appearance of Liberia’s first female president comes in response to a formal invitation extended by House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon—a gesture the former leader described as “unprecedented” and one that “will go down in history.”
In her acceptance letter to the Speaker, Sirleaf expressed profound appreciation for the invitation, noting it represents a meaningful opportunity for constructive engagement with the Legislature. She confirmed that her security team has inspected the venue and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, particularly the entry protocols.
“I look forward to a lively and constructive exchange during the plenary session,” Sirleaf wrote, thanking the Speaker and members for what promises to be a historic homecoming. In a major victory for labor rights, Plenary has voted to amend the Decent Work Act of Liberia following an exhaustive review by an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Sinoe County Electoral District #1 Representative Thomas Remeo Quioh.
The amendments, originally proposed by Montserrado County Electoral District #3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah under “An Act to Amend the Decent Work Act of 2025,” underwent rigorous scrutiny by the Specialized Committee on Labor and Employment.
Key Findings from the Committee’s Review:
– The proposed amendments align with Liberia’s national agenda to improve labor standards
– Legal, administrative, and socio-economic implications were thoroughly examined
– The bill strengthens protections while promoting fair, safe, and equitable working conditions
– Passage will enhance the existing labor framework and promote industrial harmony nationwide
The Specialized Committee on Labor and Employment unanimously recommended that Plenary:
1. Pass the bill entitled “An Act to Amend the Decent Work Act of the Republic of Liberia” into law
2. Forward the duly enacted bill to the Liberian Senate for concurrence, pursuant to Article 35 of the Constitution. Plenary has accepted the recommendations, passed the bill, and transmitted it to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has summoned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Director General Eugene L. Fahngon to appear next Tuesday for what promises to be a tense grilling over the broadcaster’s failure to reach rural Liberia.
The summons stems from a passionate communication by Lofa County Electoral District #3 Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto, who demanded answers on why the National Language Program—broadcast on 97.7 ELBC—does not adequately cover the entire country, particularly Lofa County.
Despite advancements in broadcasting technology, Representative Kpoto charged that the limited reach continues to:
– Deny citizens in rural areas access to vital public information
– Exclude communities from content disseminated in local languages
– Undermine national inclusion, education, and civic awareness
Plenary agreed the matter carries national importance, emphasizing that equitable access to public broadcasting services is non-negotiable. Fahngon must now explain why technological capabilities haven’t translated into nationwide coverage and what remedial steps LBS will take.
At the same time, the House of Representatives has launched an immediate investigation into a explosive land dispute threatening peace in the Happy Corner Community, District 7, Montserrado County—a case involving alleged fraudulent documents and potential government land grabs.
Representative Emmanuel Dahn’s communication triggered the probe after revealing that while available information indicates the land is government-owned, residents allege certain parties are attempting to claim the property unlawfully using fraudulent documents to facilitate eviction. The dispute has caused significant distress and heightened community tensions.
Plenary has summoned an all-star cast of officials and stakeholders to provide clarification:
– N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice
– Samuel F. Kpakio, Chairman, Liberia Land Authority
– Galakpai W. Kortimai, Director General, General Services Agency
– D. Nelson Bearngar, Director General, Center for National Documents and Records Agency
– Mr. Mohammed Alawie, Mr. Hassan Sani Jichi, Mr. Sekou Dorley
– Leadership of the Happy Corner Community
During Tuesday’s 15th-day plenary sitting, Dr. Mahmoud Solomon, Liberia Land Authority Commissioner for Land, revealed that the dispute involves both historical claims and undocumented parcels. A Land Authority survey confirmed government ownership of certain portions, while specific claims by families like the Cooper family remain under judicial review or potential alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Galakpai W. Kortimai confirmed unequivocally that the land in question is government-owned. He detailed his coordination of stakeholder engagements, supervision of proper demarcation, and emphasized that **no payments or transfers will occur until ownership is fully verified**. He assured ongoing collaboration with the Land Authority and Ministry of Justice.
Plenary has forwarded the matter for detailed scrutiny to the **Committees on Mines, Energy and Natural Resources; Environment; Public Utilities; and Judiciary**, with a mandate to report back before the close of the first quarter of 2026.
