The serene grounds of the presidential palace in Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia, transformed into a scene of unrest on Wednesday, September 25, 2025, as over a hundred volunteer workers, primarily women, gathered to protest the alleged non-payment of their wages for a recent cleanup exercise. Their grievances stemmed from an apparent breach of promise regarding compensation for their labor in preparing the palace compound for impending renovations. The protest highlighted the precarious nature of informal labor arrangements and the potential for exploitation when clear contracts and payment schedules are absent.
The workers’ discontent arose from the perceived deception surrounding their recruitment and subsequent compensation. According to their accounts, a man identified only as “John” had enlisted their services for the cleanup, assuring them of future employment opportunities once the renovation project commenced. This promise was further reinforced, they claimed, by a senior official associated with the project, who guaranteed payment for their immediate work, although no specific amount was stipulated. This ambiguity in the agreement likely contributed to the escalating tension, as the workers’ expectations of fair compensation were met with a lack of transparency and concrete commitment.
The situation reached a boiling point on Wednesday morning when the workers, expecting to receive their payments at 10:00 a.m. as allegedly promised, were met with disappointment. The failure to disburse the agreed-upon compensation triggered a spontaneous protest, with the workers assembling at the palace gates, chanting slogans demanding their rightful dues. They accused those involved in the recruitment process of orchestrating a scam, preying on their willingness to work and leaving them financially exploited. Their frustration and anger resonated in their calls for justice and their warning of unspecified actions should local authorities and the county leadership fail to address their grievances promptly.
The protest underscored the vulnerability of workers operating in informal settings, often lacking the protections and legal recourse afforded to those in formalized employment. The lack of a written contract detailing the scope of work and the agreed-upon compensation left the workers with little leverage in demanding payment. Their reliance on verbal assurances proved inadequate, highlighting the importance of clear and documented agreements in protecting workers’ rights. The incident also exposed the potential for exploitation and manipulation within informal labor markets, particularly when involving vulnerable populations seeking employment opportunities.
As the protest unfolded, security personnel stationed at the presidential palace, reinforced by officers from the Liberia National Police Bong Detachment, were deployed to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating. Their presence served to contain the demonstration within the palace grounds, but it also reflected the seriousness of the workers’ grievances and the potential for social unrest when fundamental rights are perceived to be violated. While the security presence prevented any immediate escalation of the protest, it did not address the underlying issue of unpaid wages.
Efforts to secure official statements from either the palace security or the County Communications Office proved futile, with reporters being directed to Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, who remained silent on the matter at the time of reporting. This lack of official response further exacerbated the workers’ frustration and fueled their perception of being ignored and disregarded. The absence of clear communication and accountability from the relevant authorities only served to amplify the workers’ grievances and underscored the need for greater transparency and responsiveness from government officials in addressing labor disputes. The incident raised questions about the mechanisms in place for protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices in Bong County and beyond.
