—As Civil Service Commission Goes into Full Operations Shortly
IPNEWS: The Civil Service Agency (CSA) says it has made transformative strides in 2024 toward fostering a more accountable, efficient, and transparent civil service for Liberia, especially institutionalization of the Employee Status Regularization Project (ESRP) aimed at addressing longstanding issues related to payroll integrity and operational efficiency.
In his annual message on the affairs of the CSA since his take over, Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. Director-General, CSA stated that through the ESRP, the government of Liberia has eliminated “ghost workers” and identified systemic irregularities, such as shared bank accounts and duplicate mobile numbers, that had impeded accountability within our payroll system.
These achievements according to DG Joekai underscore the collective commitment of the Joseph Boakai’s government to fiscal responsibility and transparency, which reflects the collective dedication to a leaner, creation of a more effective workforce.
Additionally, Director General Josiah Joekai stated that the ESRP, a data-driven approach has provided critical insights into the civil service’s educational, demographic, and gender distribution.
“Our workforce analysis revealed significant skill gaps, with a significant number of employees lacking a high school diploma, and identified age imbalances, particularly a high concentration of employees nearing retirement. These findings reinforce the CSA’s focus on strategic human resource planning, enabling us to design initiatives that address educational gaps, ensure retirement readiness, and promote gender equity.”
“By fostering a diverse and capable workforce, we aim to build a civil service that is inclusive and responsive to Liberia’s governance needs.”
“We also inaugurated the National Civil Service Testing Center, a computer-based facility that elevates the recruitment process through standardized assessments. This ensures that civil service hiring is conducted based on competency, skill, and knowledge, setting a new benchmark for professionalism and fairness in public sector recruitment. Together, these reforms contribute to a civil service that attracts and retains high-caliber individuals equipped to advance Liberia’s development goals.” Hon Josiah Joekai stated.
Ahead of the new year, the CSA Boss stated that the CSA is steadfast in its mission to sustain and expand upon this year’s achievements by placing emphasis on accountability, transparency, and ethical governance will guide future initiatives as we address skill development, retirement readiness, and workforce inclusivity.
“These advancements are not only critical to the continued success of the civil service but also to building public trust and aligning our workforce with Liberia’s long-term aspirations. The successes of 2024 mark a significant step in our journey, and we remain dedicated to a modern, professional civil service that stands as a pillar of national progress.” Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. Director-General, CSA intoned.
In March 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., appointed Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. as Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), with his Deputy Directors Darlington A. P. Smith and Dahnu Miayen supporting reforms to enhance Liberia’s public service efficiency. From March to October 2024, key governance initiatives were launched to improve institutional development, financial discipline, and workforce management. Among these efforts, the Board of Appeals was reconstituted, providing a streamlined, accessible avenue for civil servants to address grievances without resorting to lengthy court processes.
This development marks a significant shift toward ensuring fair employment practices, offering civil servants a timely, efficient alternative for dispute resolution. Further reforms targeted the Government’s Consultancy Program, which had previously suffered from financial mismanagement. Under Joekai’s leadership, a National Policy for recruiting consultants was launched by H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakia, Sr. to improve accountability and transparency. Notably, consultancy expenses were cut from USD 6.1 million in 2023 to USD 1.4 million by September 2024. These cost-saving measures were complemented by performance-based compensation standards, linking consultant remuneration to their contributions, and refined hiring criteria to ensure only qualified professionals are engaged.
Additionally, the Employee Status Regularization Project (ESRP) improved payroll accuracy by removing unqualified personnel, thus strengthening the integrity of the system and enhancing efficiency across the civil service workforce. To address broader structural challenges, the CSA embarked on collaborative initiatives and targeted reforms. Retirement and pension processes were improved in partnership with NASCORP, reducing delays and supporting retirees’ transition.
A Memorandum of Understanding with LIPA and the Governance Commission was also established to bolster public sector capacity, focusing on skill development and mandate clarity. Furthermore, the National Civil Service Testing Center (NCSTC) was officially inaugurated on October 31, 2024, by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan-Koung, underscoring its role in fostering a merit-based recruitment process that promotes transparency and integrity in the public service. Through automated, competency-focused assessments, the NCSTC is positioned to transform civil service recruitment, enhancing fairness and reducing opportunities for malpractice.
These cumulative reforms signify a commitment to creating a results-oriented, financially accountable, and merit-based civil service aligned with the goals of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). The CSA’s initiatives demonstrate a strong dedication to transforming Liberia’s civil service into a dynamic institution that effectively meets the nation’s workforce needs, addressing gender disparities, enhancing employee qualifications, and fostering an environment of integrity and excellence in public administration
