Monrovia – Liberia’s Ministry of Labor and the ECOWAS Commission have pledged stronger cooperation to combat human trafficking, as Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah highlighted severe budget cuts and major prosecution successes.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The pledge was made between the Ministry and the Commission during a meeting with new ECOWAS Resident Representative H.E. Mohammed Konneh on Tuesday.
The meeting at the Ministry of Labor focused on anti-trafficking initiatives, victim support, and regional cooperation under the ECOWAS framework.
Budget Slashed, But Commitment Remains
Minister Kruah welcomed Ambassador Konneh and said his arrival would help “fill the gap” left by the previous ECOWAS envoy.
However, he raised concerns over funding for Liberia’s anti-trafficking response.
Min. Kruah disclosed that when the Ministry assumed responsibility for the program, it received $250,000 annually. That amount was reduced to $75,000 in the first year, and later to $40,000 and $50,000.
“Despite these limitations, we currently maintain three safe homes, two of which are actively housing victims in Montserrado County,” he asserted.
“In these facilities we provide security, medical care, and daily meals for survivors. Sometimes it is a struggle to stay within our budget, but we remain committed.”
The Minister noted that while partner support has been helpful, some funding comes with restrictions.
He cited a $35,000 allocation that cannot be used for security, property maintenance, or shelter upkeep “critical expenses” that make it difficult to do more.
“We look forward to working closely with ECOWAS and other partners to address these gaps,” Cllr. Kruah added.
He also thanked local implementing partners for their role in training, repatriation, and victim support.
Prosecution Wins: 22 Traffickers Sentenced
On enforcement, Minister Kruah reported significant progress in 2026, with three major trafficking cases successfully prosecuted.
The largest was in Montserrado County involving 22 traffickers and 57 victims. Most of the traffickers, he reported, received 20-year sentences, while others got 50 years.
In another case, the Minister revealed that a Nigerian national was convicted for trafficking children into Liberia under the guise of salon work and subjecting them to prostitution. A third case was adjudicated just recently.
“We have gone for the highest possible punishment to serve as a deterrent,” the Kruah indicated.
“We hope that these prosecutions send a strong signal that Liberia will not tolerate human trafficking.”
Minister Kruah among other reiterated the Ministry’s call for “increased and flexible support” to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
New ECOWAS Envoy Pledges Support, Calls for Better Reporting
For his part, Ambassador Konneh vowed commitment to building on his predecessor’s work and serving as the direct link between the ECOWAS Commission and the people of Liberia.
“Human trafficking remains a serious concern not only in West Africa but across the continent,” the ECOWAS envoy stated.
“We have received strong warnings that Liberia must not become a safe haven for traffickers. As a Commission, we will continue to provide the necessary support, within available resources, to strengthen the systems we have put in place.”
He explained that ECOWAS had reviewed project monitoring reports and identified only “minimal” areas needing attention.
To secure more funding, Amb. Konneh urged the Ministry to better document and report success stories.
“If you want to request more support, you must first appreciate what has been given, and clearly show how it has helped to resolve the issues.”
“For example, we should be able to say: ‘We have so far supported 60,000 beneficiaries, but we can do more with additional resources.’”
The ECOWAS diplomat disclosed that the Commission is currently preparing its mid-term budget, and that its Political Advisor will visit soon to work with Liberia in identifying priorities for inclusion.
“Our headquarters manages the operations, while our office here monitors projects on the ground,” he furthered.
“What we can do is communicate and appeal to the relevant authorities so that additional resources can be mobilized.”
The Ambassador, whose appointment is for two years, said his goal was to ensure “concrete results” through joint work by government, ECOWAS, and partners.
Next Steps
Both officials then agreed to deepen collaboration ahead of ECOWAS’ budget cycle, with a focus on flexible funding, monthly reporting of results, and strengthening victim protection systems.
