Published: March 25, 2026
MONROVIA– Activa International Insurance Company of Liberia has accused Liberia’s justice system, through the National Labor Court, of inflicting “substantial reputational harm” and disrupting its operations, after the court allegedly rejected its final payment in Liberian dollars and ordered the closure of its offices over an ongoing labor dispute.
Activa International Insurance Group is a Pan-African insurer authorized by the Central Bank of Liberia to write both life and general business.
The company said it has now instructed its legal counsel to file formal complaints against both Mr. Saye Gbalazeh and the Resident Judge before the Chief Justice of Liberia, seeking disciplinary review and remedial action.
The dispute stems from the enforcement of a judgment in an “unfair labor action” case ruled in favor of Gbalazeh, which escalated into the closure of Activa’s offices on 5th Street, Sinkor.
Office closure follows payment dispute
On Friday, March 20, the Sheriff of the National Labor Court shut down Activa’s premises pursuant to a Writ of Execution tied to the enforcement of the court’s judgment.
In a detailed statement issued Tuesday, March 24, the company traced the dispute to a November 2025 ruling by the Supreme Court, which dismissed its appeal in the labor case.
Following the ruling, Activa said the Labor Court assessed a total Bill of Cost of US$497,583.16. The company said it paid US$157,584.37 and filed a motion to settle the remaining balance in three installments, though the request was denied.
Activa said it later sought a 10-day extension to complete payment.
Court reverses acceptance of Liberian dollar payment
The company disclosed that on March 12, it paid L$47,873,618.09 — equivalent to US$260,182.71 — at the prevailing Central Bank exchange rate, with a commitment to settle the balance by March 20.
It added that on March 19, it returned to court with checks totaling L$16,218,206.99, equivalent to US$87,888.27, representing full settlement of the judgment.
According to Activa, the court initially accepted the payment and began issuing a receipt but abruptly reversed its position.
“Failure to comply immediately risks the issuance of a Writ of Execution and company closure. National Labor Court proceeded to close ACTIVA’s premises pursuant to a Writ of Execution,” the statement said.
The company said the court instead demanded payment strictly in United States dollars.
Company cites legal breach, questions judicial conduct
Activa described the court’s actions as a violation of established legal principles, arguing that Liberian law recognizes the Liberian dollar as legal tender.
“ACTIVA categorically asserts that the actions of both Mr. Saye Gbalazeh and the Resident Judge constitute a grave departure from established legal principles and judicial norms,” the company said.
“It is a fundamental tenet of Liberian Law that the Liberian Dollar is legal tender within the Republic, and binding jurisprudence of the Honorable Supreme Court has consistently affirmed that judgment debts may be satisfied in Liberian Dollars at the officially recognized exchange rate.”
The company further argued that compelling payment exclusively in foreign currency undermines Liberia’s monetary sovereignty and legal framework.
‘Draconian’ enforcement raises due process concerns
Activa also criticized what it described as contradictory and excessive enforcement measures by the court.
The company said the closure of its premises occurred despite a prior court order granting a payment deadline of March 24, raising concerns about arbitrariness and denial of fair hearing.
“The cumulative effect of these actions has inflicted substantial reputational harm upon ACTIVA, disrupted its operations, and adversely impacted its clientele, its employees and business relationships. These consequences are both unjustified and actionable under the laws of the Republic,” the statement said.
It further described the enforcement as “draconian,” noting that the shutdown of its offices hindered its ability to facilitate payment.
Legal action initiated as court reopens office
Activa confirmed it has moved to challenge the actions legally.
“Accordingly, ACTIVA has instructed its Counsel of Record to immediately institute formal complaints against Mr. Saye Gbalazeh and the Resident Judge before the Honorable Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, as well as to petition the Grievance and Ethics Committee of the Honorable Supreme Court for appropriate disciplinary review and remedial action,” the company said.
The company, however, maintained that it remains committed to the rule of law and judicial integrity but warned against actions it considers unlawful or arbitrary.
“Such actions undermine not only the rights of affected parties but also run counter to the Government of Liberia’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and create much-needed employment opportunities for Liberians,” it added.
Activa further disclosed that on Tuesday, March 24, the Chamber Justice ordered the reopening of its premises, although upholding the requirement that the outstanding balance be paid in United States dollars.
“Considering that Liberian Dollars is a legal tender in Liberia, in ACTIVA’s mind, payment of judgment amount can be legally effected in Liberian Dollars,” the company said.
“ACTIVA, therefore, finds it strange that a Court of Law in Liberia will reject and refuse payment of judgment; the Company however assures its clients, employees and all stakeholders that it remains resolute in its commitment to the rule of law.”
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