MOE New Payment Policy Comes Into Question

By Jamesetta D Williams

The new payment policy hatched by the Ministry of Education regarding streamlining  teachers’ salary has come into question as teachers across several southeastern counties are entering the second month without receiving the full portion of their salaries.

The development follows the implementation of a new joint payment policy by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).

Reports gathered by DN News show that educators in Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, and River Gee Counties have not received the 70% United States dollar component of their salaries for October and November 2025. Under the revised structure introduced at the beginning of October, teachers were informed that their earnings would now come in 70% USD and 30% LRD, replacing the previous 100% Liberian-dollar payment.

To enable the transition, instructors were instructed to open USD bank accounts. However, despite full compliance, teachers say only the 30% Liberian-dollar portion has been paid for two consecutive months.

In Maryland County, more than 200 teachers are reportedly affected. Many describe the situation as financially devastating, noting that they have been unable to meet essential needs such as food, transportation, rent, and school fees. Several teachers interviewed say they have resorted to borrowing just to remain in the classroom.

Similar complaints are emerging from rural communities in other southeastern counties, where the new payment system is already in effect and causing widespread anxiety among teaching staff.

Education stakeholders are warning that if the issue is not addressed urgently, the country could face serious disruptions to academic activities—especially in counties where schools already struggle with attendance and staffing shortages.

The MOE has acknowledged the concerns and says it will provide an official response “at a later date,” but did not specify when.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.