George J. Borteh
29 April 2008
Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods says the issue of unemployment in the Liberian society is a serious concern and it poses threat to peace and stability to a country that has just emerged from a protracted civil crisis.
Records show that Liberia has a discouraging rate of unemployment, with so many youths roaming the streets without any formal engagement.
The Labor Minister spoke yesterday when the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, Ellen Loj visited the ministry's new home on UN Drive.
The Ministry of Labor recently relocated from its long-time office in Buzzi Quarters, central Monrovia to a site adjacent the General Services Agency (GSA).
During the visit, Minister Woods told the UNMIL boss that an "Emergency Employment Program" is now in transition intended to give way to long-term employment initiative.
Min. Woods said his Ministry is building relationship with tripartite partners in order to enhance social dialogue in the direction of reducing the unemployment rate in the country and added that his ministry is in the readiness to launch a program for the development, career and labor needs for Liberia.
The SRGS visit to the ministry was to discuss several issues pertaining to the unemployment rate that has engulfed the Liberian society. Madam Loj said the provision of job opportunities is an enormous task for the Ellen-led government.
She told Minister Woods that she is concerned about the level unemployment in Liberia. She challenged the government to formulate programs that would lead to the provision of long-term employment for Liberian especially youths.
Amb. Loj asserted that provision of long-term employment is important and very essential and lauded Minister Woods for working with line ministries to develop plan aimed at reducing unemployment in the country.
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