Monrovia, Liberia – In recognition of the vital role that employee welfare plays in propelling the country’s revenue collection efforts, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has formally opened its first-ever Psychosocial and Counseling Center to emphasize the emotional and physical health of its staff.
LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah underlined the center’s significance and encouraged personnel to utilize the space to the fullest at the inaugural event, which was hosted at the LRA headquarters in Paynesville. “You must be in good physical and mental health to perform the hard labor we undertake here. Our ability to successfully collect national income depends on your well-being,” CG Jallah said.
Since the LRA Psychosocial and Counseling Center is the first of its type within a Liberian government body, its creation represents a significant milestone. This program demonstrates the LRA’s dedication to fostering an atmosphere that encourages staff members to overcome obstacles, remain resilient, and help the authority achieve its lofty revenue-raising target of over $1 billion.
The facility, which was established in partnership with the Ministry of Health and The Carter Center, will provide access to mental health treatments, professional counseling, and other wellness initiatives for staff members. This is a proactive step meant to enhance the productivity and well-being of LRA employees while they work hard at revenue mobilization, a vital duty for the advancement of the country.
Commissioner General Jallah expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and The Carter Center for their assistance in suggesting licensed mental health professionals to oversee the facility. “This partnership reaffirms our dedication to maintaining a robust workforce that can meet revenue collection demands while fostering general job satisfaction,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto emphasized the need of protecting anonymity in the counseling services offered. “The project’s hallmark is confidentiality,” she stated, advising therapists to protect the privacy of center workers. As the first government agency to give its personnel’ psychosocial and mental health treatment first priority, Dr. Kpoto praised the LRA for setting an example.
Two seasoned psychologists will work in the psychosocial section, offering free assistance to LRA staff members three days a week during specified hours. In addition to addressing the stress, anxiety, and personal difficulties that employees encounter, this program makes sure that they have a secure place to voice any worries that would otherwise impair their ability to perform at work.
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 400,000 Liberians have a mental disease of some kind, with over 130,000 of them suffering from severe mental illness. By creating this facility, the LRA is making a significant contribution to workplace mental health and enabling its employees to contribute to Liberia’s economic growth and prosperity.
