Todee District—Bendu Johnson, a 39-year-old single mother of three, has accused the Government of Liberia’s Labor Ministry of neglect following a tragic workplace accident at the Arrow Alliance Group wood processing factory, which resulted in the amputation of her right hand.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
The Arrow Alliance Group wood processing factory is involved with the supplying and exporting of Hevea rubber wood in Todee District, Montserrado County.
Madam Bendu Johnson, who has been a contractor at the facility for over two years, recounted the incident that occurred last Tuesday while performing her duties.
She explained that she and a co-worker attempted to clean sawdust from a machine, mistakenly believing it had been turned off. Unfortunately, the machine was still operational, leading to the severe injury.
After the accident, Bendu Johnson’s colleagues rushed her to Barcolleh Health Center in Kakata, Margibi County. Given the severity of her injury, she was subsequently transferred to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, where she remained for over a week until her discharge.
Despite receiving care funded by her employer, Madam Johnson expressed frustration that no officials from the Labor Ministry have made followed up on her condition since the incident, despite reports that a team was dispatched to the factory to probe the incident.
“I haven’t seen anyone from the Labor Ministry since my injury,” Madam Johnson told FrontPage Africa in agony at her Gwee Town residence on Tuesday.
“I am grateful to Arrow Alliance for covering my medical expenses, but I need assurance from the government that my case will not be overlooked”, she stressed.
When contacted, Mr. E. Fredrick Baye, Deputy Communication Director at the Ministry of Labor, confirmed that a team had indeed been sent to the Arrow Alliance Group factory to investigate Madam Johnson’s injury.
He emphasized that this initial action is part of the process to ensure the company takes full responsibility for her medical bills and any legal benefits owed to her.
As Johnson continues her recovery, she remains hopeful that the company will support her through this challenging time while she seeks necessary assistance from the government.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
