In recent developments, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia, led by Director General Josiah Joekai, has encountered significant public scrutiny regarding its payroll management practices. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the CSA is unlawfully dismissing individuals from government employment. However, Joekai emphatically rebuffed these claims, characterizing them as deliberate misconceptions and misinformation designed to sabotage the agency’s ongoing reform initiatives. His comments came during the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Liberia Institute for Public Administration and the Governance Commission, an event aimed at fostering sustainable reform within Liberia’s public sector across various administrative levels.
Joekai clarified that the CSA’s payroll sanitization efforts are focused solely on individuals improperly placed on the payroll. He detailed that the review intends to target employees who have abandoned their posts, are traveling without due process, or have exceeded their leave agreements without proper communication. Furthermore, he pointed out that certain employees have mistakenly overstayed their approvals for personal leave and those who have taken sick leave without following the required communication protocols with human resource offices—most notably, the absence of necessary medical certifications as mandated by the Standing Orders for the Civil Service.
In his insistence on transparency and integrity, Joekai also highlighted the issue of “double dippers”—individuals fraudulently receiving pay from multiple government payrolls—as well as those receiving salaries via the Mobile Money payment platform despite having no legitimate ties to government service. The CSA’s Director emphasized the foundational role of these efforts; he indicated that if the agency were indeed dismissing rightful employees, there would have been significant protests and public backlash, a situation that has not materialized.
The Director General further asserted the CSA’s adherence to established guidelines and frameworks in executing its mandate. He pointed out that the agency’s actions are firmly anchored in existing legislation, including the Act that created the CSA, the Human Resource Policy Manual, and the protocols maintained across various governmental spending entities. By reinforcing the legitimacy of the CSA’s processes, Joekai aims to dispel the narrative propagated by social media, which he described as misleading and unfounded.
Joekai’s commitment extends beyond just maintaining orderly payroll practices; he reiterated the CSA’s dedication to ensuring fairness and integrity in all operations regarding government personnel management. His assertion of future accountability reflects a belief that the outcomes of the CSA’s reform efforts will ultimately stand the test of time and public scrutiny, thereby contributing positively to the governance landscape in Liberia.
In conclusion, the tension surrounding the CSA’s payroll management initiatives underscores a broader narrative about reform, governance, and public trust in Liberia. As the CSA navigates these challenges, the agency underscores its goal of creating an efficient and equitable civil service, assuring the public that their reforms are not merely reactions to allegations but systematic efforts aimed at enhancing the integrity and functionality of public administration in the nation.
