MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Civil Service Agency (CSA), led by Director Josiah F. Joekai, has formally accused the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, of engaging in illegal actions that contravene established civil service regulations. In a letter dated May 8, 2024, Joekai outlined several infractions allegedly committed by Kruah and called for immediate corrective measures.
Joekai referenced an earlier communication from April 5, 2024, in which the CSA informed Kruah that his decision to transfer and reassign employees within the Ministry of Labor violated Chapters 3 and 4 of the Civil Service Standing Orders of 2012. These regulations stipulate that intra- and inter-agency transfers, promotions, demotions, direct replacements, and changes to employees’ payroll accounts must be conducted according to established procedures.
Despite this warning, the Ministry of Labor has reportedly continued to recall all Labor Commissioners across the country and has hired new individuals to serve in these positions. Additionally, Joekai highlighted that Kruah plans to employ 94 new individuals in civil service positions that are already occupied, a move deemed illegal under the Civil Service Standing Orders and the Human Resource Management Policy Manual. The CSA has imposed a freeze on employment, transfer, promotions, and demotions since February 16, 2024.
One specific violation mentioned is the appointment of Mr. Darius K. Weemie as Deputy Inspector General for Administration, a position that the CSA claims was created without the necessary approvals. Joekai expressed concerns that Weemie has been impersonating this role, engaging with business entities on behalf of the government without proper authorization.
Furthermore, Joekai criticized Kruah for using a political party letterhead to request employment considerations for four individuals, which he described as a breach of the CSA’s independent and non-partisan status.
In conclusion, the CSA has demanded that the Ministry of Labor reverse all illegal human resource transactions and adhere to the relevant laws and policies governing civil service operations. Joekai emphasized the need to improve and strengthen working conditions for civil servants and attached exhibits of prior communications to support the CSA’s position.
The letter was also copied to the Office of the President, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the CSA’s determination to uphold civil service standards.
