AT SONA, President Boakai Supports DG Joekai’s Efforts for Civil Service Commission Bill Passage to Enhance Public Sector Governance

In an effort to strengthen public sector governance, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has urged the 55th Legislature to swiftly pass the draft bill aimed at transitioning the Civil Service Agency into a commission. This call was made during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 28, 2025.

President Boakai emphasized the critical need for the Legislature to align Article 89 of the Liberian Constitution with the transition of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) into a commission. The reform initiative, led by Hon. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., PhD, seeks to restore public confidence in the civil service and attract a new generation of qualified professionals dedicated to the country’s progress. Dr. Joekai’s leadership highlights the commitment to establishing a public sector rooted in ethical standards and professional integrity.

The proposed Civil Service Commission aims to align Liberia with international best practices in public administration. Once established, the Commission will play a central role in enhancing merit-based recruitment, setting employment standards, and improving overall governance within Liberia’s civil service.
Operationalizing the Civil Service Commission will introduce a structured mechanism to uphold these values. By implementing merit-based recruitment processes and professional conduct guidelines, the Commission is expected to elevate the quality of service delivery across government institutions. This transformative step will not only enhance efficiency but also significantly contribute to Liberia’s socio-economic development.

A well-functioning, independent, and non-political Civil Service Commission ensures policy continuity, providing predictability and stability essential for long-term planning and development. Additionally, the civil service benefits from institutional memory, with experienced civil servants maintaining the necessary knowledge to navigate complex issues and sustain important projects. This continuity ensures that valuable expertise is not lost during transitions between administrations.

More importantly, an independent civil service operates based on merit and professional standards, rather than political affiliations, reducing the likelihood of political interference in administrative matters.

As Liberia continues its journey toward a more effective, efficient, and equitable public sector, the establishment of the Civil Service Commission represents a critical milestone. The timely passage of this bill by the Legislature will pave the way for a brighter and more accountable future in public administration.

The Civil Service Agency, as a central government agency with the statutory mandate and responsibility to supervise the human resource management and policy of the civil service sector of Liberia, will play a pivotal role in this transition.