By: Melvin Flomo
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian Senate has summoned senior government officials from key ministries to appear before the Senate’s Committee of a Whole on March 10, 2026, to address mounting concerns over the continued nonpayment of volunteer teachers and health workers across the country.
The decision followed a communication submitted by Amara M. Konneh, who raised alarm over the conditions of volunteer personnel working in the education and health sectors despite the existence of budgetary allocations intended to support these institutions.
In response, the Senate has cited officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Civil Service Agency to provide explanations regarding the situation.
Those invited include Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah, Health Minister Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, and Civil Service Agency Director General Josiah F. Joekai Jr..
The officials are expected to provide clarity on the status of thousands of volunteer teachers and health workers who continue to render services in schools and health facilities without formal government payroll placement. Lawmakers say the situation raises serious concerns about labor practices, public sector workforce management, and the effective implementation of the national budget.
Senator Konneh argued that many volunteers have served for years under difficult conditions with the expectation of eventual government employment, yet they remain outside the payroll system. He emphasized that the Senate must ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, especially in sectors critical to national development.
“The government must account for how budgetary allocations intended to support education and health are being utilized,” Konneh noted, stressing that volunteers play a crucial role in sustaining services in rural and underserved communities.
Beyond the issue of unpaid volunteers, Senator Konneh is also advocating for the reintroduction of Civics as a core subject in Liberia’s school curriculum. According to him, restoring Civics education will help strengthen civic awareness, democratic values, and responsible citizenship among young Liberians.
Members of the Senate say the upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to scrutinize the challenges facing volunteer workers and explore policy solutions that could lead to their proper integration into government payroll structures.
The issue of volunteer teachers and health workers has long been a national concern, with many institutions relying on unpaid personnel to fill staffing gaps, particularly in remote areas. Advocates argue that addressing the situation is essential to improving service delivery and ensuring fairness for those contributing to the country’s education and healthcare systems.
The March 10 hearing is expected to draw significant public interest as lawmakers seek answers from the government officials responsible for managing Liberia’s workforce and national budget.
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