By Amos Harris
Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), has outlined critical reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and equity within Liberia’s public service.
He spoke at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s regular press briefing on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Dr. Joekai highlighted key achievements in 2024 and set an ambitious reform agenda for 2025.
During the briefing, Dr. Joekai presented findings from a detailed payroll analysis of the House of Representatives, revealing significant breaches of the National Remuneration Standardization Act of 2019.
The analysis uncovered 17 duplicated positions on the central administration payroll, creating a supplementary payroll with 243 roles and instances of double-dipping, resulting in an annual financial loss of $1,566,564.
Dr. Joekai disclosed decisive actions, including halting supplementary payroll payments, suspending implicated individuals, and launching an independent investigation in collaboration with the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). Those found guilty will be required to repay misappropriated funds and may face dismissal.
“The CSA is resolute in ensuring compliance with payroll management policies and fiscal discipline under the 2019 Act,” he stated.
Dr. Joekai also highlighted efforts to streamline the national pension payroll following the August 2024 announcement of a nationwide retirement initiative.
The CSA has identified over 1,400 employees across 35 ministries, agencies, and commissions for retirement.
In collaboration with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) over 400 retirees have been transitioned to non-active status and are now receiving pensions.
Workshops and data collection exercises conducted from August 26 to September 13, 2024, ensured a smooth transition for retirees from 2019 to 2023 who had yet to be transitioned.
Dr. Joekai reiterated the CSA’s commitment to honoring retirees and safeguarding their welfare, emphasizing that their contributions to the nation would not be forgotten.
To tackle salary disparities in the public sector, Dr. Joekai announced plans to implement a salary top-up initiative targeting teachers, healthcare workers, security personnel, and agriculture extension workers.
He revealed that 12,129 teachers, 4,713 healthcare workers, 7,651 security personnel, and 480 agriculture workers currently earn below the minimum wage.
The CSA, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), will allocate funds to address these disparities and improve compensation for these essential workers.
“This initiative reflects President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of equity within Liberia’s civil service,” Dr. Joekai said, underscoring the importance of fair wages in enhancing job satisfaction and service delivery.
Dr. Joekai commended the House of Representatives for their swift action in addressing payroll irregularities and reaffirmed the CSA’s dedication to governance reforms that promote transparency and accountability.
He assured the public of regular updates on the CSA’s initiatives, including payroll management reforms, retirement transitions, and the salary top-up program.
Dr. Joekai also expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their collaboration, reinforcing the CSA’s mission to uphold good governance and equity within Liberia’s public service.
The reforms outlined by Dr. Joekai signal a transformative shift in Liberia’s public service, laying the foundation for greater efficiency and fairness across the sector.
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