The Government of Liberia, through the Civil Service Agency (CSA), has announced that the salaries of 216 suspended government officials will be withheld and placed in an escrow account for February 2025.
During the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
CSA Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. confirmed that these officials, sanctioned by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, will not receive their salaries until they receive clearance from the Ministry of State.
Dr. Joekai explained that the Bureau of State-Owned Enterprises and the CSA are collaborating to ensure that the 216 government officials, listed by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and submitted to President Boakai, comply with the necessary clearance processes.
These officials are part of a larger group of 457 individuals affected by the decision.
“Out of the 457 individuals, 216 government officials from various ministries, agencies and commissions will be barred from receiving payments until they obtain the required final clearance from the Ministry of State,” Dr. Joekai stated.
The CSA Director revealed that employees from key government institutions, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Education, as well as personnel from the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) will receive salary adjustments or “top-ups” for 2025.
Dr. Joekai also confirmed that civil servants who retired in 2019, 2021 and 2024 will have their benefits processed through the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) using the CSA’s C-One form.
Dr. Joekai reaffirmed President Boakai’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, urging all public officials to adhere to ethical governance practices.
“As part of this commitment, President Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and several senior officials, including myself have already declared our assets,” he said.
The decision to withhold salaries is part of the government’s broader effort to enforce administrative regulations and promote financial accountability within the public sector.
Dr. Joekai highlighted the significant progress in the government’s retirement process, ensuring retired employees are properly transitioned off the payroll system.
Over 500 retired employees have been successfully enrolled in the national pension system, with some already receiving benefits as of January 2025.
The CSA is also working to clear a backlog of retirees who had not received their entitlements, ensuring their inclusion in the national pension payroll.
Dr. Joekai further emphasized that the CSA will remove retired employees from the national payroll who have already been enrolled in the pension system.
Noting that the while also excluding employees who have refused to participate in the retirement process, though they will still be allowed to complete the necessary procedures to access their pension benefits.
The government’s focus remains on ensuring that all eligible retirees receive their rightful benefits while maintaining a transparent and accountable payroll system.
