Hon. Joekai’s Integrity in Public Service Continues to Gain Unmatched Recognition

In a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, Hon. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), continues to receive unparalleled recognition and honor. A group comprising the Africa Media Network, Liberia, and Citizen United for Better Liberia, headed by Prince S. Grandoe and Kesselie Barzah, has classified Hon. Joekai as the “Most Outstanding Director-General of the Year 2024.”

Hon. Joekai’s tenure at the CSA, which began in March of this year, has been marked by his exemplary efforts to bring sanity to the civil service and eliminate wastage of public resources. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service. These reforms have not only improved service delivery but also fostered a culture of accountability and integrity within the public sector.

Under Hon. Joekai’s guidance, the CSA has introduced groundbreaking policies that empower civil servants and elevate the standards of public administration. His dedication to transparency and efficiency has set a new benchmark for the civil service, earning him widespread admiration and respectability in the national government of His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.

According to the Group, its decision to recognize and honor him stems from his efficient and robust role exercised as Director-General of the Civil Service Agency in ensuring that a reform initiative at the CSA is carried out without fear or favor.

Here are a few of the commendable reforms the group said stemmed their decision:

• The discovery of living ghosts, which means people who are employed with government but refused to show up for work;
• Identifying mobile discrepancies on the payroll;
• Payroll sensitization exercise; the discovering of civil servants salaries being paid to illegal agents and businesses representing 22 transactions that cost the Liberian Government a huge sum of money;
• The blocking of unmatched names of mobile money accounts of GoL Payroll;
• The discovery of two hundred and twenty-three plus names that illegally received mobile money over the years, which cost the Liberian government huge financial losses, etc.

Noting that with these and more done just within the space of months, are laudable achievements that are highly worthy of its highest recognition and honor; believing that the CSA Boss is a distinguished public servant who has demonstrated deep concern and passion for serving Liberia with commitment through the formulation of public policies that will improve the living condition of the people.

The group meanwhile urged Hon. Joekai not to be self-satisfied but instead to continue representing the interests of Liberia and the Liberian people at large.

In response to the recognition and honor, the Director-General emphasized that the accolade is a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire CSA team.

Hon. Joekai noted that while he may be the agency’s leader, the achievements and recognitions are due to the hard work and dedication of his team. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of his two Deputy-Generals, Hon. Darlington A.P. Smith and Hon. Dahnu Mianyen, as well as the heads of various divisions and the entire CSA staff.

He commended their unwavering commitment to prioritizing the country and their professionalism and integrity in serving the agency and the nation. Hon. Joekai reiterated that at the Civil Service Agency, there is no room for political or tribal biases. Instead, the focus is on professionalism, proficiency, and integrity in serving the Liberian people.

According to Hon. Joekai, this recognition is not just a personal honor but an institutional one, showcasing the collective efforts and dedication of the entire CSA team. He encouraged his colleagues to continue their exemplary work and maintain their high standards of service.

The recognition from the Africa Media Network, Liberia, and Citizen United for Better Liberia is a testament to Hon. Joekai’s outstanding contributions to the public sector.

As Hon. Joekai continues to lead the CSA with distinction, his work serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in public service.

Hon. Joekai’s remarks underscore the importance of teamwork and the shared responsibility of public service, reinforcing the CSA’s commitment to improving the living conditions of the people of Liberia through effective public policies and dedicated service.

The brief and touching ceremony held in the office of the Director-General was graced by the Hon. Darlington A. P. Smith, Deputy Director-General of Human Resources Management and Policy, and Hon. Dahnu Mianyen, Deputy Director-General for Administration and Finance. Others were Special Technical Assistant to the Director-General Roger Abim-Karmon; Directors Isaac Govergo, Edwin Jallah, Atty. Denise Jallah Suah, and Steve Kettor.

The Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia was established in 1973 by an Act of the Legislature. It serves as the central government agency responsible for managing the civil service and thereby operates independently from other ministries and agencies, focusing on increasing efficiency and effectiveness within the civil service. The CSA’s primary responsibilities include improving human resources, service delivery, and overall performance within the civil service.

The Agency is dedicated to building a competent, professional, and motivated civil service that can deliver sustainable good governance to the nation.