By: Melvin Flomo
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MONROVIA, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has ordered the immediate reopening of Phebe Hospital in Suacoco, Bong County, while suspending three senior hospital officials as his administration moves to resolve a leadership dispute that forced the temporary closure of one of Liberia's most important referral health facilities.
The decisive intervention follows an emergency meeting at the Executive Mansion on Monday, where government officials, hospital authorities, and representatives of the institution's governing churches discussed the crisis that disrupted healthcare services across Bong County and neighboring counties in Central Liberia.
The shutdown stemmed from escalating disagreements over staff placement, administrative decisions, and salary disparities, prompting concerns about access to critical healthcare services for thousands of Liberians who depend on the hospital.
"The health and well-being of our people must always come first," President Boakai declared. "No disagreement should deny our citizens access to essential medical care. Hospitals exist to save lives, and every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure that they remain operational."
As part of immediate measures to restore normal operations, the President directed all healthcare workers to resume their duties without delay. He also ordered the suspension and recall of Medical Director Dr. Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks, Human Resource Director Mr. Jonathan Pewu, and Assistant Human Resource Director Mr. Peter Gbelawoe pending the outcome of an administrative review.
To address the deeper governance concerns, President Boakai announced the formation of a Special Committee, which will be chaired by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. The committee will comprise representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of State, and Phebe Hospital's governing churches—the Lutheran, Episcopal, and United Methodist Churches.
The committee has been mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute and recommend immediate, medium-term, and long-term reforms aimed at strengthening the hospital's governance, management, and operational efficiency.
Reaffirming his administration's commitment to healthcare, President Boakai stressed that the Government of Liberia, working alongside faith-based institutions and development partners, remains responsible for ensuring uninterrupted health services nationwide. He further warned against political interference in the management of public health institutions.
"We must never allow politics to take root in our hospitals. Our focus must remain on delivering quality healthcare to the Liberian people," the President emphasized.
The high-level meeting was attended by Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility, National Security Advisor Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods II, Presidential Legal Advisor Cllr. Busheben Keita, Senior Advisor Dr. Augustine Konneh, representatives of the hospital's governing churches, and other senior government officials.
President Boakai concluded by reaffirming that protecting the health and well-being of Liberians remains a top priority of his administration and called on all stakeholders to work collectively to restore confidence in Phebe Hospital and strengthen healthcare delivery throughout Bong County, Central Liberia, and the country at large.
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