By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Cllr. Tarlo N. Wehyee, former Public Defender of Nimba County and newly appointed Judge of the Labor Court in Nimba, has pledged that labor law enforcement will “not be business as usual” if confirmed by the Liberian Senate.
Wehyee commits to the full and impartial implementation of Liberia’s labor laws — vowing to hold violators of harmful labor practices accountable. “The era of impunity for employers who exploit workers must end,” he said, signaling a shift toward stricter oversight and enforcement.
Formally recommended by Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., and appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Cllr. Wehyee is expected to serve as Resident Judge of the newly established Labor Court in Nimba County after his tough confirmation hearing by the Liberian Senate in the coming days.
The Labor Court is part of a broader judicial reform effort to decentralize labor dispute resolution and bring justice closer to workers in Liberia’s industrial and agricultural hubs in Nimba County.
Wehyee brings extensive legal experience to the bench. As Public Defender for Nimba County, he built a reputation for advocacy, case management, and deep knowledge of both criminal and civil procedure. Legal observers say his background positions him well to handle the complex employer-employee disputes expected before the new court.
The establishment of the Labor Court in Nimba responds to longstanding complaints from workers and unions about delayed cases, unfair dismissals, unpaid benefits, and unsafe working conditions, particularly in the mining, agriculture, and concession sectors in Nimba County.
If confirmed, Wehyee’s docket will include cases involving wrongful termination, workplace injuries, collective bargaining disputes, and violations of the Decent Work Act of 2015.
The judge in-waiting has emphasized collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, trade unions, and employer organizations to ensure compliance while promoting industrial harmony.
Confirmation hearings before the Senate Committee on Judiciary are expected in the coming weeks. If confirmed, Wehyee will be sworn in as one of the first judges to preside over a specialized labor court outside Montserrado County — marking a key step in Liberia’s judicial decentralization.
The House of Representatives passed an Act to establish a dedicated Labor Court in Nimba County on July 10, 2025, moving Liberia one step closer to decentralizing labor justice. The bill was subsequently concurred by the Liberian Senate.
The legislation was introduced on March 7, 2025, by then-Representative, now Senator, Samuel Kogar of Nimba County Electoral District #5.
Kogar championed the bill as a direct response to mounting labor disputes in Nimba’s mining, agriculture, and cross-border trade sectors.
Nimba County hosts major concessionaires including ArcelorMittal Liberia and several gold mining operations, where workers have repeatedly raised concerns over wrongful dismissals, unpaid benefits, and unsafe working conditions.
Currently, all labor disputes in Nimba are heard before the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, which also handles criminal, civil, and probate matters. This has created a significant backlog, with some employment cases reportedly pending for over two years.
Citizens of Nimba are breathing a sigh of relief following the Liberian Government’s appointment of judges to the Traffic and Labor Courts in the county.
The move has been welcomed by victims of vehicle accidents and labor issues who have long awaited justice.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. made the appointments on April 9, 2026, naming Cllr. Tarlo Wehyee as Labor Court Judge and Mr. Anthony Doyan as Traffic Court Judge. This milestone gives Nimba County specialized courts to handle traffic and labor-related cases, ensuring efficient justice delivery.
About Cllr. Tarlo N. Wehyee:
Counsellor-At-Law Tarlo N. Wehyee is a seasoned legal practitioner and the longest-serving Public Defender of Nimba County.
Born on February 15, 1965, in Monrovia, he hails from the forested lands of Marlay, Boe, and Qualla, Tappita District, Nimba County.
His early life was shaped by resilience and a strong work ethic, despite limited access to education. This instilled perseverance and a pursuit of knowledge, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Cllr. Wehyee’s educational journey began in the mid-1970s, navigating rural schooling challenges. He earned a Diploma and Certificate from William V.S. Tubman High School in 1986, followed by a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Economics from the University of Liberia.
He furthered his education with a Diploma in Computer Science (1994) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law (2013).
Professionally, Cllr. Wehyee has served in multiple sectors, locally and internationally. He’s a Public Defender in Nimba County, representing indigent defendants and advocating for judicial independence. He is qualified to practice before the Supreme Court of Liberia and is recognized for his commitment to justice and human rights.
Beyond law, Cllr. Wehyee is a talented former footballer, admired for his skill and sportsmanship. He’s approachable and relatable, with nicknames like Super 7, Player, Middle, NEWS, or Counsel.
His journey exemplifies the power of education, foresight, and dedication, making a lasting impact on Liberia’s governance and rule of law.
