-Labor Min., ECOWAS Rep., hang HEADS
Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Tuesday August 18, 2026, held discussions with ECOWAS Commission Resident Representative, Mohammed Konneh, as part of efforts to combat human trafficking in Liberia and strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against trafficking in persons.
Held at the Labor Ministry on UN Drive, the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Government of Liberia and its regional and international partners to prevent trafficking, protect victims and survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Minister Kruah, who also chairs Liberia’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, has repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger coordination among government institutions and development partners to address the growing threat of human trafficking.
According to Kruah, the Liberian government remains committed to prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership in tackling the crime.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Liberia and ECOWAS, particularly in addressing cross-border trafficking, protecting vulnerable populations, supporting survivors, and improving mechanisms for identifying and prosecuting traffickers.
Minister Kruah had previously called for increased resources and specialized training for labour inspectors, including greater capacity to identify trafficking cases at border entry points and within vulnerable communities.
He has also commended ECOWAS for its support to Liberia’s anti-trafficking efforts.
The Labor Minister disclosed that an ECOWAS-funded grant of US$35,000 previously helped provide assistance to 61 trafficking victims, including support aimed at rehabilitation and sustainable livelihoods.
Minister Kruah stressed that human trafficking remains a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental rights, requiring sustained national and regional action.
The meeting with the ECOWAS Representative is expected to further strengthen Liberia’s partnership with ECOWAS and enhance joint efforts to prevent human trafficking and protect those at risk.
Liberia has intensified its anti-trafficking response through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, with recent efforts including the prosecution of trafficking cases and programs designed to support survivors through vocational training, psychosocial assistance, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS Representative, Konneh, promised to work with the Ministry of Labor to prevent human trafficking in Liberia.
Representative Konneh hopes to further strengthen collaboration with the Labor Ministry to battle human trafficking the country.
He noted that human trafficking is one of the major challenges confronting the African Continent and the West African region is not an exception.
