Africa-Press – Liberia. In a major move to reinforce efficiency, discipline, and legal compliance across Liberia’s public service, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), under the leadership of Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., convened a one-day workshop with Human Resource Directors from 105 Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs).
Held as the first of its kind, the one-day gathering focused on reasserting CSA’s statutory authority over public sector human resource management and enforcing critical administrative protocols to improve accountability in government operations.
“This workshop is not just symbolic—it is strategic,” said Dr. Joekai. “It marks our unwavering commitment to asserting the CSA’s mandate as the central authority on all civil service human resources matters in Liberia.”
During the workshop, Dr. Joekai rolled out several key directives designed to correct persistent lapses in HR administration. He mandated that all Human Resource Directors submit monthly time and attendance reports to the CSA by the 10th of each month, in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 5.1.2 of the Civil Service Standing Orders. He warned that failure to comply will result in a 10% deduction in salary, with repeated violations potentially triggering full salary withholding.
Dr. Joekai emphasized that Human Resource Directors are the only recognized authorities on payroll-related personnel actions. He cautioned against unauthorized collaborations between HR directors and payroll staff, noting that no accountant, comptroller, or finance officer is permitted to perform HR functions. “Human resource management must remain within the professional boundaries defined by law,” he stressed.
He also directed that all hiring of interns must be done in consultation with the CSA to ensure proper screening and adherence to merit-based hiring practices. On transfers, he clarified that they must be used to fill capacity gaps rather than serve as punitive measures.
Addressing disciplinary practices, Dr. Joekai warned against the illegal suspension of employees for indefinite periods. He stressed that such actions must follow due process, including specified durations and written justification. “There is no such thing as an ‘indefinite suspension’ under our law,” he stated, citing Chapter 4, Section 4.2.6 and Chapter 11, Section 84 of the 2013 Civil Service Human Resources Policy Manual (Revised).
Dr. Joekai closed the session by reaffirming the CSA’s commitment to shielding Human Resource professionals from undue pressure and interference. He encouraged HR Directors to uphold the highest standards of integrity, maintain respect for leadership hierarchy, and ensure all HR practices are rooted in law and policy.
The CSA, he concluded, remains dedicated to fostering a results-oriented civil service that delivers measurable value to the Liberian people.
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