By: Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, Liberia, May 13, 2026 – At least 304 employees of ELWA Hospital have been transitioned to the government’s centralized payroll system under the management of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), according to the Director General of the CSA, Josiah Joekai.
The move comes in the wake of a strike by ELWA Hospital workers in October 2025, who protested low salaries, unpaid benefits, and years of outstanding arrears.
The protest, which involved doctors, nurses, and other staff, disrupted hospital services and drew national attention to the workers’ demands for immediate salary payments, improved working conditions, and better medical equipment.
Health unions rallied behind the striking workers, and the mounting crisis led to government intervention. Negotiations resulted in an agreement to address the workers’ grievances, prompting the suspension of the strike.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing in Monrovia on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Joekai announced that the transition followed a mandate issued three months earlier by President Joseph Boakai. He explained that the President had directed the CSA to place ELWA Hospital employees on the government payroll to support the institution.
“Today, I am pleased to report that the process has been completed. The CSA worked closely with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Ministry of Health to ensure the President’s mandate was fully implemented,” Joekai said.
He noted that the 304 employees have already been paid for the month of April through the government payroll, with a total payment value of approximately US$1,451,436. “That is more than just political will; it is a commitment from a government concerned about poor workers and struggling families,” he stated.
Addressing questions about why employees of a private institution were placed on the government payroll, Joekai clarified that the President, as head of government, has the authority to determine which institutions and individuals receive government support and compensation.
“The President determines which institutions should be placed on the payroll and which require government support,” he said. Joekai added that this responsibility is shared only with the CSA director general, in accordance with the agency’s mandate.
He further emphasized that the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships in Liberia’s health sector.
Joekai concluded that the inclusion of ELWA Hospital employees on the government payroll aims to improve the hospital’s operational efficiency and the delivery of healthcare services.
