Africa-Press – Liberia. In a move to enhance service delivery and welfare for Liberia’s public servants, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three insurance companies: Insurance Company of Africa (ICA), SAAR Insurance Liberia Incorporated, and Activa International Insurance Company Liberia Limited.
The signing ceremony, held at the CSA Ministerial Complex offices in Congo Town, on Monday, November 18, marks a significant step in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration’s commitment to public sector reforms.
Speaking during the event, CSA Director General Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. described the agreement as a transformative milestone in ensuring civil servants receive improved health insurance services, among others.
“Today is another historic moment for the civil service of our country. As part of our ongoing robust reform initiatives, we are working to ensure that civil servants across our 105 spending entities receive the benefits they deserve,” Joekai stated.
He lauded the insurance companies for their role in alleviating financial burdens for civil servants, noting, “You have been doing an amazing job. Because of you, our civil servants no longer need to borrow money at high interest rates for medical care. This initiative will address illegal deductions and ensure all insurance enrollments are based on employee consent.”
Joekai acknowledged the challenges faced by both civil servants and insurance providers and called for transformative measures to improve the system.
“Civil servants have been complaining about illegal deductions. The CSA will investigate these complaints, and the insurance companies have agreed to provide data to ensure transparency. Where illegal deductions are found, restitution will be made,” he announced.
To further streamline the process, Joekai outlined new measures, including verifying employee consent before enrollment and ensuring accurate workforce data to avoid unnecessary expenditures by insurance providers.
“These steps are crucial to ensuring that civil servants are happy with the services they receive, and that insurance companies are protected from undue expenses. This reform is about fairness and efficiency,” he asserted.
Joekai emphasized that the CSA would closely monitor the implementation of the MOU to ensure fairness for both employees and the insurance providers.
Deputy Director-General for Administration at CSA, Dahnu Mianyen, underscored the importance of the partnership, calling it a cornerstone for enhancing public-private collaboration in the insurance sector.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing better service delivery for civil servants. It’s not just about insurance; it’s about creating a framework where the government and private sector can work together effectively,” Mianyen said in his welcome remarks.
Mulbah K. Johnson, President of the Civil Servants Association of Liberia, praised the reform efforts but urged the insurance companies to address complaints of illegal deductions and inadequate service delivery.
“Our people are suffering. Salaries are already small, and many civil servants are not benefiting as they should. We expect fair play from the insurance companies. Let us work together to ensure this process is transparent and effective,” Johnson said.
He also commended the CSA leadership for their bold steps toward reform, noting that these decisions often come with challenges.
“Director Joekai is navigating rough terrain with these reforms. Decisions like these are rare, but they are necessary. We are seeing the imprints of your leadership, and these reforms are already benefiting the government and civil servants alike,” Johnson stated.
He urged the insurance companies to prioritize fairness and transparency in their dealings with civil servants.
“Our people are suffering. Illegal deductions from already small salaries are unacceptable. We need fair play and genuine commitment from the insurance providers,” Johnson stressed.
Representatives from the three insurance companies expressed their commitment to the partnership and pledged to address existing challenges.
Ahmed M. Bility, Chief Operating Officer of Activa Insurance Company, emphasized the importance of educating insured members about their policies.
“It’s crucial that employees fully understand what they’re signing up for and what to expect when they need to make claims. Miscommunication leads to frustration and mistrust, which we must avoid,” Bility said.
He also highlighted the financial security that insurance provides, encouraging employees to explore additional coverage options for greater peace of mind.
“Insurance offers a fallback position. Even if it’s not 100%, it helps reduce financial burdens. This partnership is a step in the right direction, and we’re committed to making it work,” he added.
Alexander G. Diggs, Life Manager at Saar Insurance Corporation, expressed gratitude for the partnership and vowed to ensure better service delivery.
“We are here to serve our clients and address their concerns. This MOU gives us the framework to improve and expand our services,” Diggs stated. Similarly, Ambrose B. Wureh, Non-Life Manager at ICA, highlighted the need for continuous engagement to resolve issues and build trust.
“With collaboration, we can address the challenges and provide the needed benefits to civil servants. This partnership is a testament to the progress we can achieve together,” Wureh said.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
