The Ministry of Labour has delivered a scathing judgment against the National Port Authority (NPA), holding it liable for the wrongful dismissal of its former comptroller, Gabriel S. Bull, and ordering his reinstatement or full compensation amounting to US$280,945.60.
The ruling, handed down on Friday, June 20, 2025, by Boikai A. Sheriff, Director and Hearing Officer of the Ministry’s Division of Labour Standards, determined that Mr. Bull was terminated without due process, in clear violation of the country’s labor laws.
“After a careful observation of the witnesses’ testimonies, evidence adduced during trial, and the surrounding circumstances, the Ministry holds the conviction that the complainant was wrongfully discharged by the National Port Authority,” the ruling stated.
The Labour Ministry gave the NPA two options: reinstate Mr. Bull with full benefits and entitlements as though he were never dismissed, or pay him a hefty compensation package broken down as follows:
24 months’ salary at $6,500/month: $156,000 13,620 gallons of gasoline arrears: $59,655.60 12,820 communication scratch cards: $64,100 70 bags of 25kg rice: $1,190
Allegations Without Evidence
The NPA had cited financial improprieties and administrative violations under Article 5, Section 2(a) of its employee handbook, an article that addresses gross negligence causing financial loss. However, the Ministry found no evidence of any investigation or disciplinary procedure to back the allegations.
“There was no documentation or credible witness testimony that Mr. Bull was investigated or found guilty of any wrongdoing prior to his dismissal,” Director Sheriff concluded.
Under Liberian labor law, employees cannot be dismissed for cause unless a thorough internal investigation is conducted and the employee is given a chance to respond. The Ministry found that these procedural requirements were completely ignored in Bull’s case.
Midnight Call, Surprise Dismissal
Mr. Bull, who had served the NPA for over 18 years, told the Ministry that on March 8, 2024, he was called late at night by the Deputy Managing Director for Administration and asked to raise a check for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). He arrived at the NPA office close to midnight, but the task could not be completed due to the lack of electricity, as no generator had been activated.
The next day, he said, he received a WhatsApp message informing him of his dismissal. A formal memo followed later on March 11, alleging financial wrongdoing.
Bull testified that he was neither investigated nor audited and had continued to perform his duties until being officially removed. He said the dismissal came as a shock and suggested it was designed to deprive him of longstanding benefits, including arrears on gasoline, communication cards, and rice supplies.
Ministry Calls for Accountability
The Labour Ministry’s decision has stirred public debate, with critics labeling the NPA’s actions an “act of witch-hunt” and demanding accountability from top management. Legal analysts also say the ruling sets a precedent for public and private institutions, reinforcing the importance of due process and fair labor practices.
As of press time, the NPA has not issued a public statement on whether it will comply with the ruling or seek to appeal the decision through a court of law.
For now, Gabriel Bull’s case serves as a powerful reminder that even in government institutions, labor rights must be respected, and violations come at a price.
Source: FPA
