In a move to advance public sector, especially civil service reform in Liberia, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), and the Governance Commission (GC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a formal press briefing held at the Ministry of Information on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
The collaboration seeks to foster improvements in public sector governance and the efficiency of civil service operations.
The MOU was signed by three key figures: Josiah Joekai, Director-General of the Civil Service Agency, Nee-Allah T. Varpillah, Director-General of the Liberia Institute of Public Administration, and Professor Alaric Tokpah, Acting Chairman of the Governance Commission.
The MOU outlines a shared vision to strengthen Liberia’s public sector, particularly by enhancing administrative capacity, implementing comprehensive reforms, and building a more professional and efficient civil service.
Director-General Josiah Joekai emphasized the CSA’s commitment to transforming the civil service into a more effective and accountable entity.
He pointed out that the collaboration will help streamline processes within government agencies and ensure that civil servants are better equipped to meet the needs of the Liberian population.
LIPA’s Director-General, Nee-Allah T. Varpillah, noted that the institution’s role in training and capacity-building will be critical in ensuring that civil servants gain the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties effectively.
“The MOU provides a platform for shared learning and development, which will ultimately lead to a stronger and more capable civil service,” Varpillah remarked.
Professor Alaric Tokpah, Chairman of the Governance Commission, highlighted the importance of governance reforms and the need for transparency and accountability within the public sector.
He mentioned that the agreement represents a collective effort to address longstanding issues in Liberia’s governance structure and create a framework for sustainable development.
The partnership between CSA, LIPA, and GC is expected to focus on several key areas, including policy development, institutional strengthening, and leadership training. By aligning their efforts, these institutions aim to deliver a comprehensive civil service reform agenda that aligns with international standards of governance and accountability.
As Liberia continues to face challenges in public administration and governance, this MOU signals a renewed commitment from the government to address these issues.
The reforms driven by this partnership will not only improve the efficiency of government operations but also enhance public trust in Liberia’s civil service system.
In the coming months, the CSA, LIPA, and GC will work closely to develop actionable plans to implement the provisions outlined in the MOU.
This initiative is seen as a key step in ensuring that Liberia’s civil service is equipped to handle the demands of a growing and developing nation, contributing to long-term economic stability and governance improvements.
