Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Union

09/04/2026

LEGAL POSITION: REJECTING VAGUE LICENSING UNDER THE Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) ACT

We, the practitioners, entrepreneurs, and institutions within Liberia’s barbering and cosmetology sector, hereby set forth a clear and principled legal position:

We cannot and will not submit to vague, undefined, and overbroad licensing provisions under the LNTA regulatory framework.

Our position is grounded in law, professional standards, and the fundamental principles of due process and fair regulation.

1. Lack of Legal Certainty and Definition
The LNTA licensing framework, as presently implied, fails the test of legal precision. A valid regulatory regime must explicitly define:

· Who is subject to licensing?
· Required qualifications and certifications
· Applicable professional and sanitary standards
· Inspection and compliance procedures
· Renewal conditions
· Disciplinary mechanisms
· Rights of appeal

Absent these elements, the law becomes uncertain, discretionary, and susceptible to arbitrary enforcement—contrary to the rule of law.

2. Failure to Recognize Sector-Specific Realities
Barbering and cosmetology are not generic service industries. They are technical, health-sensitive, and skills-based professions requiring regulation tailored to:

· Infection prevention and hygiene control
· Professional certification and training standards
· Product safety and chemical use
· Consumer protection mechanisms
· Safe and dignified workplace conditions

A generalized tourism framework does not and cannot adequately regulate these complexities.

3. Absence of Independent Sectoral Oversight
Globally, the beauty industry is governed by specialized regulatory boards with domain expertise. Subordinating this sector to a broad tourism authority:

· Undermines professional integrity
· Weakens regulatory effectiveness
· Compromises fairness and accountability
4. Threat to Due Process and Business Stability
Vague laws create legal uncertainty, which:
· Discourages investment
· Exposes practitioners to inconsistent enforcement
· Opens the door to administrative overreach

No serious economy builds its service sector on ambiguous regulation.

5. Regulation Must Develop, Not Exploit
Regulation must serve a developmental purpose—not merely revenue extraction. A legitimate framework must:

· Build professional standards
· Protect public health
· Strengthen training institutions
· Promote entrepreneurship and decent work
· Create sustainable industry growth pathways

OUR POSITION IS CLEAR

We, the members of the Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Union (LIBCU), assert that:

👉 The barbering and cosmetology sector must only be governed by a specific, independent, and properly enacted statutory framework.

👉 We therefore call for the immediate advancement and passage of the Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Board Act, currently pending before the House’s Judiciary and Health Committees.

Until such a law is enacted, any attempt to impose vague LNTA licensing authority over our sector is legally untenable and professionally unacceptable.

We stand for clarity.
We stand for professionalism.
We stand for lawful and sector-appropriate regulation.

07/02/2026

Orange Money Liberia Orange Money Barber Kit Exhibition — Limited Seats (30)

The Orange Energy Team has invited 30 LIBCU members to a special exhibition showcasing solar-powered barber kits and practical energy solutions for salons/barbershops.

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: 6th Floor, Orange HQ, 16th Street (Sinkor)

How to attend (first-come, first-served):

Join the coordination chat here ➜ https://chat.whatsapp.com/ByftlySvLwR9rSDRYPOdbY?mode=gi_t

Note: Bring your LIBCU ID card. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

WhatsApp Group Invite

30/11/2025

Happy Birthday, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.! 🎉
The Liberia Barbering & Cosmetology Union (LIBCU) wishes you long life, wisdom, and strength as you lead. May this new year bring peace, growth, and more jobs for Liberia’s youth and women—especially in our beauty industry.

19/11/2025

OPEN LETTER
To: Hon. Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives.
Chair, Judiciary Committee; Chair, Health Committee

Re: Calendar and pass the Liberia Barbering & Cosmetology Board Act to unlock jobs, TVET outcomes, and public-health gains within the FY2025/26 budget cycle

Honorable Leaders,
With the President’s ambitious US$1.2 billion plus national budget now before the Legislature—and a clear policy emphasis on job creation, TVET, and social development services—we respectfully urge you to place the Liberia Barbering & Cosmetology Board Act on the agenda, hold a joint hearing, and report it out for passage this session.

Why this bill belongs in the budget conversation
1. Jobs for women & youth (65% of the sector): Formalizing salons and barbershops converts informal work into decent, regulated employment across all 15 counties. The sector already engages 30,000+ practitioners—predominantly young people and women—who can be quickly upskilled and licensed through short TVET modules.

2. TVET results you can count: The Act anchors competency-based training (Salon Safe: infection control, chemical handling, Hep-B awareness) plus recognition of prior learning, apprenticeships, and annual CPD—turning TVET spending into verifiable certifications and incomes.

3. Public health & consumer safety: Enforceable standards (tool sterilization, single-use blades, hand hygiene, patch testing, and chemical handling) reduce blood-borne and skin infections, lower ER visits, and protect consumers with visible licenses and a complaints channel.

4. Domestic revenue & fiscal neutrality: Licensing and inspection fees provide cost-recovery for the regulator, projecting ~US$3M/yr. in non-tax revenue sector-wide—without new pressure on the central budget. Digital collections (mobile money) ensure transparency.

5. City sanitation & MSME growth: Clean, compliant shops improve urban hygiene, attract customers, and stimulate local supply chains (tools, products, schools, inspectors), aligning with municipal revenue and small-business formalization.

What passage enables immediately
 12-month phased rollout & grace period so current operators qualify without livelihood shocks (coach-to-comply first; sanctions last).
 County TVET pipelines delivered with MoE/TVET providers, MoH/NPHIL, and municipal authorities.
 E-licensing & public registry for traceability, consumer trust, and data-driven inspections.
 Gender-responsive governance: at least 40% women representation on the Board/Inspectorate; anti-harassment policy and complaint channel; tool-kit waivers for accredited trainees and women-owned MSMEs.

Requested committee actions (time-boxed)
1. Calendar a joint Judiciary–Health hearing within 14 days to take testimony from MoH/NPHIL, MoE/TVET, MoCI, LRA, cities/municipalities, LIBCU, and consumer groups.
2. Clause-by-clause markup within 21 days, harmonizing legal architecture (Judiciary) and standards/inspections (Health).
3. Committee report to Leadership and schedule for floor debate and passage in both Chambers this budget session.
4. Convene an inter-ministerial technical working group (MoH, MoE/TVET, MoCI, MoL, MFDP, and municipalities, LIBCU) to prepare implementing regulations and a fees schedule so the Board is operational within 90 days of assent.

Accountability & delivery
LIBCU stands ready with a compact implementation pack: draft regulations (licensing categories & SOPs), cost-recovery projections, digital collections workflow, inspection checklists, Salon Safe curricula, and a county roll-out plan. We will publish quarterly Gender & Safety Scorecards (certifications issued, inspections completed, women’s participation, complaint resolution).

This is a low-cost, high-impact reform that directly advances the budget’s goals on employment, TVET, health security, MSME formalization, and domestic revenue mobilization. The public should feel the difference at the salon chair—not only read it in a budget line.

We request your favorable consideration and are available to brief your committees at your earliest convenience.

With highest esteem,

Isaac S. Dapaye, Sr.
President, Liberia Barbering & Cosmetology Union (LIBCU)
Benson & Robert Street Junction, Monrovia, Liberia
Email: [email protected] • Tel: +231-886-910-630 / +231-770-910-630

CC: Leadership of the House; MoH; NPHIL; MoE/TVET; MoCI; LRA; MFDP; Mayors/City Corporations; Women’s Legislative Caucus; Youth & Gender Committees; MSME Stakeholders.

09/10/2025

Happy Birthday, Madame Christiana Narteh!
Today we celebrate our hardworking Vice President for Administration. On behalf of the members and leadership of LIBCU, thank you for your dedication, integrity, and tireless service to our Union.

We wish you good health, joy, and continued success. Enjoy your day, Madam VP! 🎉💙

— Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Union (LIBCU)

02/10/2025

07/09/2025

On this special day of yours, we celebrate your dedication to human development in the beauty sector. Happy Blessed Birthday Mr. Tempelaar

26/06/2025

Hon. Ellen A. Attoh Wreh, Thank You for Your Support!

Today we had the distinct honor of meeting with Hon Ellen A Attoh-Wreh Representative of Margibi County and newly elected Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, at her Capitol Building office.

Hon. Attoh Wreh, a key co-sponsor of our Draft Bill for the Professionalization of Liberia’s Beauty and Cosmetology Industry, reaffirmed her strong commitment to our cause. She pledged active collaboration with the bill’s primary sponsor, Honorable P. Mike Jurry, to swiftly recall it from committee and advance it through legislative processes.

Her support underscores a meaningful step toward inclusive economic growth, gender-responsive legislation, and strengthened professional standards within our industry. Together, we are shaping a brighter future.

🏛️ | 💇🏾‍♀️ | ✊🏿 | 🇱🇷

29/05/2025

Dear Esteemed Women Leaders,
Did you know that over 65% of Liberia’s beauticians are women and young girls? These are our daughters, sisters, and future entrepreneurs—working every day in an industry that lacks recognition, regulation, and basic protections.

The Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Board Act presents a transformative opportunity. Without regulation, these women remain vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and limited career progression. With your support, we can elevate thousands of informal jobs into dignified, professional careers.

I am writing to urge your leadership in two critical ways:
1. Amplify Our Advocacy:
Your voice matters. Please like, share, and comment on our campaign across your networks. Your influence can significantly raise awareness and build the public momentum needed for the bill’s passage.
2. Empower Youth Through Access:
A financial contribution of US5 will enable 40 young practitioners and students to travel to the Capitol Building. There, they will observe the democratic process firsthand and share their stories directly with lawmakers—putting a human face to the urgent need for reform.

Your action today can help shape the lives of thousands of women beauty professionals—and redefine the role of women in Liberia’s economy.

With profound respect and determination,

Isaac Song Dapaye Sr.
President
📞 +231-770-910-630 / +231-886-910-630

Investing in women’s economic empowerment is investing in Liberia’s future. When we protect and professionalize this sector, we open doors for education, income generation, and long-term societal growth.

03/02/2025

Subject: Support for the Bereaved Family of the Late Prince Potty

Dear LIBCU Members,

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved brother, Prince Potty. As a union, it is our duty to stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time.

Tomorrow, we will set up a dedicated team to visit salons and barbershops to solicit at least US$5 or more as a contribution in support of the bereaved family. Your generosity will go a long way in showing our collective love and support.

If you prefer to contribute via Mobile Money, kindly send your donation to either of the following numbers:
📱 +231-770-910-630
📱 +231-886-910-630

Once you have made the payment, please screenshot your receipt and share it here or in the chatroom for record-keeping.

Thank you for your kindness and support. Let us come together as a family to honor Prince Potty’s memory.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

In solidarity,
Isaac S. Dapaye, Sr.
President
Liberia Barbering and Cosmetology Union (LIBCU)
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +231-886-910-630 / +231-770-910-630