-As CSA identifies more ghosts on GoL payroll
To combat the misuse of government funds, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has uncovered discrepancies within three government entities through the Employees Status Regularization Project (ESRP). The first batch of findings was presented to President Joseph N. Boakai, revealing cases of employees not showing up for work, receiving illegal payments, and lacking accountability.
Director General of the CSA, Josiah Joekai, reported that a total of 40 employees at the Ministry of Land, Mines, and Energy were dismissed for absenteeism, while others faced suspensions and warnings for similar reasons. Similar issues were found at the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) and the National Center Coordination Resources for Mechanism (NCCRM), prompting further investigations.
The CSA has removed nearly 7,000 individuals from the government payroll due to illegal practices within the 29 government entities under scrutiny. A total of $490,828.74 recovered from blocked ghost employees will be reinvested in road construction and infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, the CSA revealed that 97 consultants are currently working across the country, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in government operations. President Boakaihas expressed his commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.
At the special press conference, President Joseph Nyums Boakaiannounced the official launch of the Employee Status Regularization Program (ESRP) during a ceremony dedicated to enhancing employment and payroll transparency in the government. The President emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting accountability and efficiency within the civil service.
The President acknowledged that the ESRP is a key component of the government’s ARREST Agenda, which aims to improve transparency and accountability across all sectors. The government hopes to identify and remove ghost names, double dippers, and unqualified individuals from the payroll system. This initiative is expected to lead to a more productive workforce with improved wages for legitimate civil servants.
President Boakai highlighted the financial impact of inefficiencies in the current payroll system, noting that the ESRP is designed to address these issues and reduce financial losses. The project, led by the Civil Service Agency, will verify and update employee records across all government Spending Entities to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the payroll system.
The President outlined three key deliverables from the ESRP, including an updated and accurate payroll system, a streamlined process for ongoing data management, and a depoliticized, professional workforce. These goals are expected to be achieved over a three-month period, with key milestones set for July to September 2024.
In addition to the ESRP, President Boakai announced the recruitment of 97 highly qualified professionals and experts through a rigorous vetting process. These consultants, including legal, human resource, and management experts, were selected in line with the National Consultancy Policy Guidelines to ensure effective utilization of consultancy resources.
The President concluded the ceremony by officially launching the ESRP under the auspices of the Civil Service Agency, expressing his optimism for a more transparent, accountable, and efficient government. He believes the project represents an apt step towards achieving the government’s goals of integrity and dedication in serving the people of Liberia.
