The newly elected leadership of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Workers Association in Liberia has called for unity and professionalism among employees. Oliver Sonah, the incoming chairman, emphasized the need to eradicate backbiting and undermining behaviors that hinder progress and employee welfare. He urged colleagues to foster a respectful work environment where professionalism thrives, advocating for collaboration over competition and personal gain. Sonah stressed that the association’s primary goal is to ensure employee welfare and will work closely with the Ministry to achieve this objective. He believes that a unified workforce will contribute significantly to the overall success of the Ministry.
Sonah’s administration, encompassing a newly elected team with a three-year mandate, has outlined key priorities. Central to their agenda is advocating for employee welfare through adherence to the Civil Service Standing Order, emphasizing integrity, fairness, transparency, and credibility. He also highlighted the critical need for capacity-building initiatives, urging the Ministry to invest in practical training programs that enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, Sonah advocated for a gender-sensitive work environment that promotes greater female participation in senior ministerial roles. This focus on employee development and inclusivity signals a commitment to fostering a more equitable and productive workforce within the Ministry.
The Civil Service Agency Director, Josiah Joekai, echoed the call for professionalism and effective service delivery, assuring employees of the agency’s commitment to protecting their welfare and managing their jobs effectively. He emphasized the importance of performance and productivity, encapsulating the agency’s stance with the slogan, “Do your work and keep your job.” This underscores the principle of meritocracy within the civil service and emphasizes the link between performance and job security.
Commerce Minister Magdalene E. Dagoseh pledged a collaborative and harmonious relationship with the employees, recognizing their crucial role in the Ministry’s success. She stressed that collective efforts are essential for achieving the Ministry’s goals of pro-activeness, productivity, and progress. While emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Minister Dagoseh also issued a stern warning against underperforming employees, stating that while there would be no illegal dismissals, underperformance would not be tolerated. She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to effectiveness and alignment with the government’s agenda.
Minister Dagoseh reiterated the importance of employees as the “heartbeat” of the Ministry but cautioned against negative propaganda and gossip. She emphasized that communication would primarily be channeled through the elected leadership of the Workers Association, underscoring the importance of recognizing and respecting the established channels of communication. This approach aims to streamline communication and promote a more organized and efficient flow of information within the Ministry. She, therefore, urged employees to work diligently and effectively, reiterating the message that job security is linked to performance.
The overall message conveyed by the newly elected leadership and the Ministry’s officials emphasizes a commitment to a more efficient and productive work environment. The focus on unity, professionalism, capacity-building, and a performance-based approach to job security indicates a drive towards achieving the Ministry’s goals and contributing to the broader government agenda. The call for open communication and the eradication of negative behaviors like backbiting and gossip aims to foster a more positive and collaborative atmosphere where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best. This multifaceted approach underscores the Ministry’s commitment to not only achieving its objectives but also to creating a supportive and empowering work environment for its employees.
