Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-01 00:37:00
A recent investigation into allegations of solicitation of bribes in exchange for jobs at Arcelor Mittal Liberia has uncovered alarming findings that require serious attention. Two senior employees of the mining company, based in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, are currently under police interrogation for their alleged involvement in bribery and fraud. These suspects, who work in the Human Resources Office of the company, have been identified as Cyrus Yini of Yekepa, Nimba County, and Johnny Ndorbor of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
According to reports from victims, the suspects had been soliciting large sums of money from job seekers with the promise of securing them employment within the company. The victims claim that they were asked to transfer payments for jobs through mobile money accounts, with each individual allegedly charged a fee of US$500 for employment opportunities. This practice has led to a situation where cash payments take precedence over qualifications when it comes to hiring decisions, resulting in unqualified individuals being hired while qualified candidates without the means to pay are left frustrated.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that the HR Office at ArcelorMittal Liberia gives preference to Guineans and other foreign nationals for employment, while Liberians are disadvantaged. Many of the drivers hired by the company are said to be Guineans who allegedly paid substantial amounts of money to secure their positions, particularly in Yekepa. In response to these allegations, the police have sought assistance from GSM companies operating in the area, namely Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN, to provide call logs of the two suspects to aid in their investigation.
However, the communication department of ArcelorMittal Liberia has denied the allegations, stating that the company does not condone or accept bribes in exchange for employment. Prospective employees are required to follow the company’s recruitment procedures for employment, and the management emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and fraud. The investigation into these serious allegations is ongoing, with efforts being made to gather evidence and ensure that justice is served.
As the community in Nimba County grapples with the implications of these revelations, it is essential for all parties involved to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough and fair investigation. The integrity of the recruitment process at ArcelorMittal Liberia must be upheld, and steps should be taken to prevent any further instances of corruption or misconduct within the company. Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining trust and confidence in the hiring practices of the mining company and promoting a fair and equitable working environment for all employees.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
