MONROVIA – In a significant move toward enhancing transparency and accountability, the House of Representatives has authorized the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to carry out a comprehensive personnel verification of its Central Administration. This decision follows weeks of intense debate, during which the House initially resisted allowing the CSA to conduct a headcount and verification process similar to that undertaken at the Liberian Senate.
The crux of the disagreement centered around the House’s assertion that the employment of Central Administration staff falls under the purview of the Legislature, not the Executive. However, mounting pressure and recent revelations forced a shift in this stance. The need for verification became unavoidable after the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning (MFDP) discovered a significant monthly payroll variance exceeding USD 43,241. This discrepancy emerged when the House submitted two different payrolls, raising red flags within the government’s financial management systems.
In response to these findings, the House of Representatives has reduced its workforce from 784 to 749, a move that was officially announced by the House’s Press Bureau. This reduction was part of a broader effort to correct imbalances and create a more equitable working environment. The House leadership has not only adjusted the workforce numbers but also addressed long-standing wage disparities among department heads, ensuring that all now receive equal compensation.
“These changes are part of our ongoing effort to ensure that every aspect of our operations reflects our dedication to open government and equitable treatment for all employees,” stated Robert Haynes, the Press Director of the House of Representatives. He emphasized the House’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fairness throughout this process.
The decision to authorize the CSA’s involvement comes after a strong stance from Rep. Marvin Cole, who recently warned that if staff within the Central Administration of the Legislature were not paid, there would be no recast of the national budget. According to Rep. Cole, CSA Director Josiah Joekai had refused to honor the new payroll prepared by the House until a headcount was conducted—a demand the House had previously resisted.
The House of Representatives’ leadership remains focused on maintaining transparency throughout this verification process, pledging to keep the public informed about future developments. These actions underscore the House’s renewed commitment to fostering a fair and transparent working environment for all its employees, addressing wage disparities, and ensuring that the payroll reflects the true number of employees.
As the CSA begins its verification, the House’s proactive measures signal a significant step toward restoring public trust and ensuring that the Legislature’s operations are conducted with the highest level of integrity and accountability.
