Investigative Report: Lonestar Cell MTN’s Treatment of Liberian Employees under Scrutiny

Lonestar Cell MTN, a leading telecommunications provider in Liberia, is facing mounting allegations regarding the treatment of its Liberian Base workforce. Once seen as a potential beacon of progress in the nation’s telecom sector, the company is now under investigation for practices that exploit Liberian employees.

Founded in 2000 by Beirut-based Investcom and later acquired by the South African MTN Group, Lonestar Cell MTN claims to operate the largest wireless telecommunications network in Liberia, holding 48% of the market share as of 2011.

Despite generating billions of dollars since its establishment, concerns have been raised about the lack of tangible benefits to the local community.

 Documents obtained by Kool 91.9 FM one of Liberia’s leading independent media network reveal disturbing patterns of behaviour within the company.

 According to insiders, many Liberians employed at Lonestar Cell MTN are stuck in their roles primarily to support their families, often lasting long hours for insufficient pay.

The investigation covers that the company is prioritizing foreign personnel, offering them higher compensation while imposing greater workloads on Liberian staff.

 These claims highpoint a troubling disparity in treatment and opportunities for local versus foreign employees.

Further compounding the issue, internal sources suggest that promotions within Lonestar Cell MTN may be largely superficial. Employees report that these advancements are designed to mislead stakeholders into believing that the company is committed to developing local talent, when in reality, few Liberians see genuine upward mobility.

 The leadership structure of Lonestar Cell MTN also raises questions. Current reports indicate that only two Liberians occupy senior executive positions, while the majority of leadership roles are filled by foreign nationals. This lack of local representation has led to concerns about whether the company can truly understand and serve the needs of the Liberian market.

As the investigation continues, many in Liberia are calling for greater accountability from Lonestar Cell MTN.

Documents currently with knewsonline kool 91.9 fm.

The revelations about employee treatment and management practices have sparked a broader conversation about the role of foreign investment in the nation’s economic landscape. Stakeholders urge the company to take meaningful steps to rectify these issues and foster a more equitable working environment for all employees.

 Investigative Report: Bad  Labor Practices at Lonestar Cell MTN Liberia Raise Serious Concerns

 Amid promises of decent work and social protection under Liberia's Decent Work Act, alarming reports have surfaced regarding the labor practices at Lonestar Cell MTN, the oldest GSM company in Liberia. Employees describe a workplace environment resembling a "slave dungeon," where expatriates dominate senior roles while local staff face systemic exploitation and discrimination.

 The Allegations of Illegal Hiring Practices

 The hiring of expatriates at MTN Liberia raises red flags. Legal protocols dictate that vacancies must be advertised, and only if no qualified Liberian applicants are found can foreign candidates be considered. However, multiple sources reveal that the company has sidestepped these regulations, with numerous expatriates holding positions without the requisite approvals from the Ministry of Labor.

Key expatriate figures in the organization, including the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, lack the necessary experience, with many having never held similar positions prior to their tenure in Liberia. This trend not only questions their qualifications but also undermines the potential for local talent development.

The Illusion of Succession Planning

MTN Liberia has implemented a succession plan intended to prepare local staff to take over expatriate roles within two years. However, this initiative has proven futile, as no Liberian has successfully transitioned into these positions since the company’s inception. The lack of investment in capacity building and training for local staff has perpetuated a cycle of dependency on expatriates.

Outsourcing and Exploitation of Local Labor

The Decent Work Act outlines the rights of employees, yet MTN Liberia has circumvented these obligations by outsourcing labor to contractors who earn as little as USD 250 per month, while expatriates receive salaries in the hundreds of thousands. This practice not only undermines local employment but also perpetuates poverty among Liberian workers.

Disparities in Benefits

 A stark contrast exists between the benefits afforded to expatriates and local employees. Expatriates enjoy generous housing allowances, education benefits, and annual bonuses, while local staff receive minimal compensation. This disparity raises questions about the company’s commitment to fair labor practices.

 Abuse of Labor Regulations

 Reports indicate systemic violations of the Decent Work Act, with local staff often required to work beyond the legal limits without proper compensation or breaks. The absence of transparent record-keeping further complicates efforts to address these grievances, suggesting an intentional effort to obscure labor practices.

 Recent Staff Turnover: A Warning Sign?

 The high turnover rate at MTN Liberia serves as a troubling indicator of the workplace environment. Numerous staff members have resigned in 2024 alone, seeking better opportunities elsewhere, highlighting the dissatisfaction and disillusionment among employees.

The ongoing labor practices at MTN Liberia not only pose reputational risks for the company but also threaten the livelihoods of many Liberians. Calls for accountability and reform are growing, and if these issues remain unaddressed, a comprehensive report detailing these violations may be submitted to the Liberian government and made public.

 It is imperative for stakeholders, including the government, to investigate these claims and take necessary actions to ensure fair labor practices in Liberia’s telecommunications sector. The future of thousands of workers hangs in the balance.