By: Wilmot Konah
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The plenary of the House of Representatives on Thursday, January 22, 2026, voted to summon officials from the Ministries of Education (MOE), Health (MOH), Finance (MFDP), and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to appear before the House on next Tuesday, to provide clarity on the status and welfare of volunteer teachers and health workers across Liberia .
The decision followed a formal communication from Maryland County District Two Lawmaker, Anthony Williams, who requested the House’s indulgence to invite the relevant ministries and agencies to explain the reasons behind the growing reliance on volunteers in these critical sectors.
During deliberations, Rep. Williams noted that although the 2025 fiscal year budget included an allocation of US$2.6 million aimed at addressing the challenges faced by volunteer teachers and health workers, the concerns remain largely unresolved. He cited persistent complaints from volunteers in various constituencies who are yet to receive adequate compensation, benefits, or social protections.
”We need to know the number of volunteer teachers and health workers placed on the payroll across Liberia,” he noted.
Rep. Williams also raised concerns regarding the payroll system for existing employees, highlighting discrepancies in personal records and delays in payment that continue to frustrate workers.
Following a motion filed by Rep. P. Mike Jury, the House plenary voted overwhelmingly in favor of summoning the ministries and the Civil Service Agency.
In furtherance of the decision, Speaker of the House, Richard Nagbe Koon, directed House Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon to issue the official notices and facilitate the appearance of the officials before the plenary.
Volunteer teachers and health workers nationwide continue to face multiple challenges, including irregular salaries, lack of insurance coverage, and limited access to other employment benefits. Lawmakers say the move aims to hold the ministries accountable and to ensure that the workforce, critical to Liberia’s education and health sectors, is adequately supported and formally recognized.
