As CSA Suspends Seven at Phebe Hospital
Gbarnga, Bong County, February 25, 2026 -- Liberia's Minister of Health, Dr. Louis Kpoto, has pledged to intervene in the Civil Service Agency's (CSA) suspension of seven employees at Phebe Hospital, adding a new dimension to the ongoing tensions at one of Bong County's major referral centers.
The Minister's promise comes as aggrieved workers continue a go-slow action over the suspensions.
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Addressing hospital staff on Tuesday, Dr. Kpoto called for calm and urged employees to return to work, assuring them that their grievances would be addressed within a week.
She stressed the need for dialogue and stability, warning that prolonged disruptions could harm patient care.
The seven suspended workers include Moses D.N. Davis, President of the Phebe Workers Association; Nicola S. Peter, plumber; Peter Yallah, mortician; J. Stephen B.K. Wannah, laundryman; Doris Bee, nurse; and drivers Jefferson Sumo and James Sumo.
The CSA claims that the employees were suspended for allegedly disrupting operations at the hospital.
According to the CSA, the disciplinary action followed disturbances reported on February 23, 2026. Deputy Minister Daniel O. Sando explained that the employees were placed on a one-month suspension without pay pending an investigation into the incident.
Sando further alleged that staff member Peter Yallah escorted journalists through hospital wards, triggering panic among patients and breaching civil service regulations.
The CSA also accused Yallah of violating patient privacy by permitting live broadcasts from sensitive hospital areas.
Despite the CSA's position, Dr. Kpoto's intervention is widely seen by staff as a sign of support. The Minister emphasized the importance of fairness and due process, assuring employees that he would personally follow up on issues related to salaries, human resources, and working conditions.
Dr. Kpoto's visit followed a CSA-led meeting on Monday that included the Phebe Workers Association, hospital administration, the Bong County Health Officer, CSA representatives, and other stakeholders. Authorities described the engagement as constructive, with all parties committing to a peaceful resolution.
However, the CSA reported a renewed protest after the meeting, which disrupted hospital operations and blocked some staff from entering the facility early Tuesday. The Agency characterized the actions as "behavior unbecoming of civil servants" and cited violations of Standing Orders.
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Authorities state that the ongoing investigation will determine if further administrative measures are necessary. Meanwhile, Dr. Kpoto's commitment to challenging the suspensions and resolving the dispute has raised hopes among workers for a quick restoration of full services at Phebe Hospital.
