Published: August 1, 2025
MONROVIA — The Ministry of Health, the National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL), and Ecobank Liberia Limited have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at improving access to financial services for health workers across the country.
The agreement, signed Thursday at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town, enables health workers to open payroll accounts, access affordable loans, and benefit from a range of digital banking services. The move is expected to streamline salary payments and strengthen financial inclusion in the public health sector.
“This is more than just a banking agreement; it is a partnership for progress,” said Deputy Health Minister for Administration, Hon. Martha C. Morris. “The well-being of our health workers directly affects the quality of care in our hospitals and clinics.”
Morris praised Health Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto for championing the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring its success.
Key Provisions
Under the agreement, all Ministry of Health and NAHWUL-member payroll accounts will be domiciled with Ecobank, removing delays and enabling direct salary deposits. No initial deposit will be required to open these accounts.
Ecobank will offer full banking services, including ATM and electronic banking access. A monthly maintenance fee of US$2.50 for dollar accounts and L$350 for Liberian dollar accounts will apply.
The bank will also provide qualified employees with access to personal, vehicle, mortgage, and asset acquisition loans. Loans carry a maximum repayment period of 36 months, and all approved facilities must be insured, naming Ecobank as the first-loss payee. Loans exceeding US$5,000 will require additional collateral.
Ecobank has agreed to apply a competitive annual interest rate of 11.5%, along with one-time fees including a 1.25% processing fee, 1.25% facility fee, and 0.35% legal fee.
“This is the future of civil service in Liberia,” said Salamata Diallo, Managing Director of Ecobank Liberia. “When we empower health workers, we empower the nation.”
Institutional Support and Guarantees
The Ministry of Health has committed to prioritizing Ecobank account holders during payroll processing and will serve as guarantor for health workers with outstanding loans in the event of termination or retirement. The Ministry also agreed to promptly notify the bank of any employment changes.
“This agreement ensures that our workforce has access to timely salary payments, affordable loans, and electronic banking services,” Morris said.
The MOU was signed in the presence of Cllr. Tomik L.J. Vobah, MOH General Counsel; Mr. James Beyan, MOH Human Resource Director; Mr. Francis Kerkula, President of NAHWUL; and Gibson K. Kollie, Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Liberia.
Kerkula hailed the agreement as a milestone for health workers.
“This agreement is the result of years of negotiation and persistent advocacy,” he said. “It will empower our members to plan their futures, own homes, and respond to emergencies with dignity and confidence.”
Both MOH and NAHWUL will jointly select an insurance provider to cover all loan facilities issued under the agreement.
The MOU will be subject to review after two years. Any party wishing to terminate the agreement before then must provide a two-month advance notice.
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