MONROVIA – The Honorable House of Representatives (HOR) has summoned the past and present Director Generals of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), James A. Thompson and Josiah Joekia, Jr., to clarify reports of overcrowding and illegal employment of civil servants on the government payroll between 2019 and 2023.
Plenary reached the decision on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, following a communication from Montserrado County District 9 Representative Frank Saah Foko, Jr.
“Mr. Speaker, this request is based on a circular issued by the CSA on April 3, 2024, revealing that over 40,000 civil servants were illegally placed on the government payroll between 2019 and 2023, something which has been refuted by the former CSA boss,” stated Rep. Foko.
According to the Montserrado County lawmaker, there has been a commencement of removing hundreds of government employees from the Executive Protective Service, Ministry of State, and other Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs). There have also been reductions in the budgetary allotments for personnel from other government entities like the Ministry of Internal Affairs, suggesting that the circular is beginning to take effect.
“Distinguished colleagues, given the severity of the situation, I am optimistic that the appearance of these two officials will fully inform this body and the Liberian people about the developments in the sector moving forward,” he added.
Those cited are expected to appear before the plenary on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
