President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on the 55th Legislature to expedite the passage of a landmark bill that seeks to transform the Civil Service Agency (CSA) into an independent Civil Service Commission.
During his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, January 27, 2025, President Boakai described the proposed reform as a pivotal step toward strengthening governance and fostering professionalism within Liberia’s civil service.
The President stressed the need for this transition to align with Article 89 of the Liberian Constitution, expressing confidence that the change would restore public trust in the civil service by promoting accountability and ethical standards. He credited Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., the CSA Director General, for spearheading the initiative and ensuring the proposed commission adheres to international best practices in public administration.
Under the proposed reforms, the Civil Service Commission will oversee merit-based recruitment, set employment standards, and enhance governance within the public sector. The commission’s operational independence is expected to introduce a structured approach to civil service management, reducing political interference and fostering a culture of professional integrity.
President Boakai emphasized the new commission’s transformative potential, highlighting its ability to attract a new generation of skilled professionals to government service. This reform, he said, would improve the quality-of-service delivery and enhance the efficiency of government institutions, thereby addressing long-standing governance challenges.
A key feature of the commission will be its capacity to ensure policy continuity across political transitions, preserve institutional knowledge, and minimize disruptions to government programs. By establishing an independent body free from political patronage, Liberia’s public sector is expected to operate with greater impartiality and professionalism.
Establishing the Civil Service Commission marks a critical milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to build a transparent and effective public administration. President Boakai’s call for swift legislative action reflects the urgency of reforming the civil service to serve the Liberian people better.
The Civil Service Agency, which oversees government human resource management, will play a central role in facilitating this transition. With the bill’s passage, Liberia benefits from a stronger, more accountable public sector capable of advancing the nation’s development agenda.
