The Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia has issued a directive prohibiting heads of Government Spending Entities and their Human Resources Directors from withholding civil servants’ salaries without proper authorization.
The move comes in response to reports that certain entities have been instructing banks to block payments on the grounds of suspension or dismissal of employees.
In a statement dated September 20, 2024, under the signature of CSA Director General Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., the CSA expressed concern over this unauthorized practice, stating that such actions do not fall within the remit of individual agencies or their HR departments.
“At no time did this responsibility fall within the ambits of the Heads of Spending Entities or their Human Resources Directors,” the memo emphasized.
The CSA underscored that it, along with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), holds the sole authority to suspend, block, or withhold the salaries of civil servants.
The release cited the 1973 Act creating the CSA and the Revised Human Resource Policy Manual of 2014 to reinforce its stance.
The memo serves as a warning to both government entities and banks, clarifying that any decision affecting civil servants’ monthly salary payments must be sanctioned by the CSA or the MFDP.
According to the memo, this measure is expected to standardize salary disbursement and prevent unauthorized interventions, ensuring civil servants receive their dues unless formally suspended through official channels.
The CSA’s action comes amid growing concerns about irregular salary payments, which have been a source of frustration for civil servants across the country. By reasserting its authority, the CSA hopes to restore order to the payment process and protect the rights of public workers.
