Liberia’s private school system is facing increased oversight as government institutions move to tighten compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-Liberia, has launched a joint enforcement operation aimed at ensuring that private and faith-based schools meet their legal obligations.
The initiative spans all 26 educational districts in Montserrado County, as well as the Marshall and Farmington districts in Margibi County. Inspection teams are currently reviewing records to confirm whether schools have properly paid for operating permits, employee wage withholding taxes, and rental withholding taxes from January 2022 through the 2026 tax year.
Leading the exercise is Daniel J. C. Hayes, Enforcement Supervisor within the LRA’s Government and Non-For-Profit Division. He explained that the effort is designed not only to enforce compliance but also to educate school administrators about their responsibilities under the law.
Authorities say the approach combines accountability with guidance, giving institutions the opportunity to correct any outstanding issues while aligning with national standards.
The joint initiative reflects a broader push by the government to strengthen domestic revenue collection and improve governance within the education sector, ensuring that private institutions operate transparently and in accordance with established regulations.
