Protests Erupt at Executive Mansion as Over 700 Staff Removed from Payroll"

Monrovia-The recent instruction from the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs to exclude over 700 additional staff from the government's payroll this April sparked serious attention at the Executive Mansion grounds over the weekend. on March 29, 2024

Sources within revealed that the dissatisfied former employees were infuriated by the decision and began hurling large stones at the Executive Mansion premises.

The protestors grew increasingly furious upon discovering that they would no longer be receiving salaries from the Ministry of State. This decision was part of President Boakai's ongoing efforts to streamline government operations and reduce the burden of a bloated payroll inherited from previous administrations.

Since assuming office, President Boakai has taken steps to reduce the number of additional workers on the payroll to alleviate overcrowding in ministries and agencies. The government has embarked on efforts to trim hefty wage bills by removing supplementary staff from the government payroll.

The Ministry of State's decision to take the lead in this initiative sparked a serious protest, marking an unprecedented event at the ministry. The supplementary employees, hired on a temporary basis by former President George Weah to assist with various tasks within the Executive Mansion, had hoped for civil servant status under his administration. However, with the change in leadership, their hopes were dashed.

The outrage erupted after a meeting called by Deputy Minister Kruah-Togba at the Mansion, where the decision to terminate their contracts was announced. Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana addressed the situation during a regular E-mansion press briefing over the weekend, acknowledging the employees' frustration.

The announcement left the employees in total disarray, leading to the besieging of the main entrance of the Mansion and resulting in property damage. As tensions escalated, some employees demanded answers from President Joseph Boakai regarding the abrupt termination of their contracts.

The group, overwhelming the officers of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) on duty during the incident, vowed to continue their protest until their concerns were addressed. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the government in its efforts to streamline operations and manage fiscal resources efficiently.

 “I am pleased to inform you all that the government is unable to renew your contracts.”

“This is because this government inherited a bloated payroll and based on the ongoing audit of the Ministry, it has been established that your services are not needed. However, the Ministry of Finance is working out modalities to ensure the swift disbursement of your three months’ salaries,” she added.

The group, which overshadows the officers of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) on duty during the incident, vowed to continue their protest until their concerns are addressed.