MONROVIA, May 29 – In a significant move aimed at strengthening Liberian employment opportunities, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Josiah Joekai, has officially requested President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.’s approval for a comprehensive, nationwide review of private sector employment. This ambitious undertaking seeks to provide the government with clear and precise data regarding the operations and roles of foreign workers within Liberia.
Director Joekai elaborated on the necessity of this review, stating that it will allow the CSA to accurately assess the extent to which jobs that could be filled by qualified Liberians are currently occupied by foreign nationals holding work permits. He emphasized that preliminary studies indicate a significant number of positions held by foreign workers are, in fact, roles for which Liberian citizens possess equivalent qualifications and expertise.
Speaking on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Director Joekai underscored the critical need for closer scrutiny of the private sector. “More attention needs to be paid to the private sector to ensure a proper procedure of how foreign workers are hired and given work permits to operate in the country,” he asserted, signaling a potential shift in how foreign employment is regulated in Liberia. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that Liberian citizens are prioritized in the job market, especially for roles where local talent is available.
In addition to advocating for a review of foreign work permits, the CSA boss took the opportunity to vehemently dismiss recent claims and allegations of financial mismanagement. Specifically, he addressed accusations leveled against the CSA and the Ministry of Finance regarding the purported mishandling of US$48 million during a recent payroll cleaning exercise.
Director Joekai characterized these accusations as politically motivated, suggesting their primary purpose was “to hinder the hard-earned integrity of the Government and its stance on the fight against corruption in the country.” He then presented compelling evidence of the government’s successful anti-corruption efforts through the payroll cleanup.
According to Director Joekai, the Government of Liberia has already realized substantial savings. A remarkable US$6.1 million has been saved from identifying and removing 906 illegal consultants from the payroll. Furthermore, US$8.2 million was recovered from instances of mobile money payment fraud, highlighting a significant win against financial irregularities. Additionally, the ongoing cleanup has resulted in a monthly saving of US$327 thousand at the legislature alone.
Director Joekai affirmed that the impressive amounts accumulated during the previous cleanup exercises are not static; rather, he maintained that these savings are projected to continue increasing annually. This sustained financial benefit is attributed to the continuous and rigorous payroll cleaning process being implemented across various government ministries and agencies, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
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