By Linus Flomo
/BASSA
Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson has critiqued the Human Resources Department of AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, labeling its officials as “lazy” and accusing them of gross negligence in their handling of labor and contractual obligations.
Johnson’s remarks were delivered during a press briefing this week, following a surge of complaints from local contractors who have raised concerns over mismanaged contracts, delayed payments, and non-compliance with labor standards.
AFCONS, a major contractor for ArcelorMittal Liberia, has come under increasing scrutiny for its operations in the county.
“The HR team at AFCONS is failing in their responsibilities,” Superintendent Johnson declared. “Their negligence is hurting our people. Contracts are not being properly vetted, and basic requirements like ensuring contractors are registered with social security are being ignored.”
He highlighted one particularly troubling issue — the omission of contractors’ social security numbers from payrolls — a lapse that has left many workers unable to access their entitled benefits. Johnson attributed the problem not only to AFCONS but also to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), suggesting a broader systemic failure.
“This is not just about one company,” he said. “It’s about how institutions meant to protect workers are letting them down. NASSCORP must do more to enforce compliance and ensure that companies like AFCONS are held accountable.”
The superintendent’s condemnation adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding AFCONS.
In 2024, the company was penalized after the Ministry of Labor discovered 310 foreign workers operating in Yekepa, Nimba County, without valid work permits and the breach resulted in fines exceeding US$930,000.
That same year, the Ministry denied work permits to an additional 44 expatriates, citing AFCONS’ failure to prioritize employment for qualified Liberians.
Labor rights advocates and civil society groups have echoed Superintendent Johnson’s concerns, calling for greater oversight and transparency in how multinational companies engage with Liberian workers and contractors.
Johnson is now urging urgent reforms within AFCONS’ HR department, as well as in other concession companies operating in the region.
“We must demand better for our people,” he said. “These companies are here to do business, yes — but not at the expense of basic labor rights.”
The Superintendent concluded by calling on both the government and the private sector to recommit to ethical labor practices, stressing that sustainable development in Grand Bassa hinges on the fair treatment of its workforce.