Several staff and administrators of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) speaking to Verity News have accused the leadership of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of abuse of power, corruption, and administrative interference.
In a detailed statement to Verity News, veteran educator Jonah K. Nyenpan- Adjunct Faculty of Demography and Social Sciences and former President of the MCSS Teachers Association, described the situation as “an alarming misuse of authority and a deliberate violation of institutional laws.”
Nyenpan warned that the CSA’s alleged overreach into MCSS affairs reflects the same governance failures that once fueled Liberia’s years of conflict.
He recalled that the 2003 Accra Peace Agreement, which ended Liberia’s civil war, cited corruption, abuse of power, and disregard for the law as root causes of instability. According to him, those same tendencies are reemerging within the public sector, particularly in the strained relationship between the CSA and MCSS.
Claims of Illegal Payroll Actions and Dismissals:
Nyenpan accused the CSA leadership-headed by Director-General Josiah Joekai and Deputy Director-General Darlington A. P. Smith, of exceeding their legal mandate by directly interfering in MCSS operations.
He alleged that the CSA has:
Removed several MCSS staff from the payroll without management’s knowledge
Dismissed employees without due process
Instructed school administrators to ignore lawful transfers issued by the MCSS Board and Superintendent
Such actions, he said, violate Sections 22–25 of the MCSS Act.
Nyenpan further cited the creation of unauthorized offices and the CSA’s refusal to recognize MCSS’s Acting HR Director as examples of open defiance of legal and administrative boundaries.
He warned that continued interference could trigger “institutional breakdown, low morale among teachers, and potential go-slows or protests”, disruptions that would ultimately harm students and the education system.
“If such interference continues unchecked,” Nyenpan cautioned, “students could take to the streets in protest, and history shows how quickly such demonstrations can escalate into violence. Liberia cannot afford a repeat of the instability that once devastated this nation.”
Nyenpan urged the government and oversight institutions to investigate the situation, enforce the MCSS Act, and ensure that the CSA “adheres strictly to its regulatory role.”
“Liberia’s peace and stability were hard-earned,” he said. “If today’s leaders ignore the lessons of history, they risk plunging the country back into crisis.”
Staff Salaries Withheld:
Another MCSS employee, who requested anonymity, confirmed the growing tension, alleging that their October salary was withheld without explanation.
“I was told by the CSA’s Human Resource Department that the directive came from the Director-General himself,” the employee said. “They claimed I’m in an ‘illegal position,’ yet my appointment was made by the Acting Superintendent, Dr. Stevens, following proper procedures. I even received an official promotion letter to Acting Director for Curriculum and Instruction. Still, CSA ordered the bank to withhold my pay.”
MCSS Personnel Association Calls Emergency Meeting:
In response to the crisis, the MCSS Personnel Association (MCSSPA) has announced an emergency meeting for Monday, November 3, 2025, to address the unfolding situation and “safeguard the image of MCSS.”
A statement signed by Nowomu D. Sondah, Secretary General of the Association, urged all executive committee members to attend, noting:
“This meeting aims to address critical issues affecting our system. Please fail not to attend as MCSS remains our common denominator.”
CSA Leadership Silent:
When Verity News contacted CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah Joekai, he responded briefly:
“I am attending my commencement ceremony now. Please contact Darlington Smith. He’s acting while I’m away,” Dr. Joekai said.
However, Mr. Smith responded by saying: “I will be at my office on tomorrow and will be free after 3pm.”
As tensions mount between the two institutions, educators and civil servants are calling for swift government intervention to ensure transparency, protect workers’ rights, and preserve stability within Liberia’s education sector.
