MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Civil Service Agency (CSA), has announced a probe into allegations of irregularities in supplementary payrolls reportedly used to compensate individuals for services rendered to the House of Representatives. The investigation was disclosed in a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, by CSA Director General Josiah F. Joekai under the subject “Investigation into Allegations of Supplementary Payroll Mismanagement.”
According to the CSA, preliminary findings suggest that certain individuals listed on the supplementary payrolls may also appear on the Central Administration payroll, raising suspicions of double-dipping and unauthorized payments to non-government employees.
To facilitate a thorough investigation, the CSA has formally requested the leadership of the House of Representatives, particularly its Rules, Order, and Administrative Committee, to submit all supplementary payroll documents. This move aims to uncover discrepancies, ensure compliance with existing laws, and recommend corrective actions.
The CSA highlighted that supplementary payrolls, including special allowances and honorariums, were abolished several years ago with the establishment of the National Payroll System in collaboration with government partners. However, the issue resurfaced recently when the CSA rejected a proposed increase in the House’s Central Administration payroll.
The House of Representatives had sought to raise its monthly payroll from the CSA-approved average of $284,000 to $327,000, a $43,000 hike. The CSA denied this request after discovering fictitious names and duplicate entries, saving the government over $500,000 annually.
The CSA has emphasized that any attempt to reintroduce supplementary payrolls poses a significant threat to public accountability and could serve as a channel for the misappropriation of public funds. The agency expects full cooperation from the House of Representatives to ensure transparency in the investigation.
“We urge the public to remain calm as the CSA collaborates with the Honorable House of Representatives to address these serious allegations and safeguard public resources,” the press statement concluded.
