The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has unveiled a series of initiatives to address payroll irregularities and strengthen public service in Liberia.
At the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, January 23, 2025, CSA Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. detailed ongoing reforms. It emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
Highlighting a recent investigation into payroll discrepancies at the House of Representatives, Dr. Joekai revealed troubling findings, including duplicating 17 positions and creating a supplementary payroll with 243 roles. These issues, he said, have resulted in double-dipping, costing the government $1.5 million annually.
“This violates the principles of transparency and accountability,” Dr. Joekai stated, calling for the cessation of supplementary payroll payments and an immediate investigation into implicated employees. The CSA has formally requested the Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia to suspend all supplementary payment requests from government entities to prevent further financial misuse.
The reform aligns with the 2019 National Remuneration Standardization Act, which aims to ensure standardized salaries across government institutions and promote fiscal discipline. Dr. Joekai commended the current House leadership for cooperating with the CSA to address these discrepancies and uphold public trust.
Progress in Pension Transition
In his address, Dr. Joekai also provided updates on the National Pension Payroll Transition, a program designed to streamline retirement benefits for public servants. Since its launch in August 2024, in collaboration with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), the program has transitioned over 400 retirees out of more than 1,400 employees from 35 Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs).
Dr. Joekai acknowledged challenges but assured the public of steady progress. “The CSA will continue to monitor and provide updates on the transition to ensure retirees are properly supported,” he said, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to a seamless process.
Addressing disparities in pay among essential public workers, Dr. Joekai announced the launch of a salary top-up initiative. The program aims to support more than 12,000 teachers, 4,700 health workers, 7,600 security personnel, and 480 agricultural workers who currently earn below the official minimum wage.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the initiative seeks to enhance financial stability, job satisfaction, and retention rates in critical sectors. “This effort aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of promoting equity within the civil service,” Dr. Joekai noted, adding that regular evaluations will ensure the program’s effectiveness in fostering a more equitable and productive workforce.
Dr. Joekai concluded his remarks with a renewed commitment to public service reform. He emphasized the CSA’s dedication to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and governance improvements as critical to Liberia’s national development.
“These initiatives are not just about fixing problems; they’re about building a civil service that supports the nation’s long-term growth,” he stated, reinforcing the CSA’s role in enhancing public service delivery and promoting accountability across government institutions.
