![[Liberia] CSA audit revealed payroll irregularities at Ministry of Local Government](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Cropped-African-American-Busin-368372302_e75e6664-7f02-4877-bd80-b0872328ff0e_1200x.jpg?v=1779066027)
In Liberia, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has given the Ministry of Local Government a comprehensive Personnel and Credential Verification Report, following an exercise launched late last year, along with a Human Resources Digital System on Personnel Management, Front Page Africa
At the request of the Ministry of Local Government (formerly known as the Ministry of Internal Affairs), the CSA launched the Personnel and Credential Verification Exercise, beginning in Montserrado County, in December 2025.
The process reportedly resumed in February 2026, covering the remaining fourteen counties and targeting all employees of the Ministry of Local Government across the nation.
On May 8, the report was presented by CSA Director-General, Dr Josiah F. Joekai Jr., to the Minister of Local Government, F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., at the Ministry of Local Government in Monrovia.
Dr Joekai stated that a total of 4,724 employees, representing 100 per cent of the Ministry’s workforce, were targeted during the 24-day exercise.
Of that number, 3,325 employees (70 per cent) were duly verified. 1,381 employees (29 per cent) were not verified during the exercise.
Dr Joekai said, “Of the total workforce of the Ministry of Local Government, civil servants constitute 1,770 (37.5%), while appointees who are being paid make up 1,555 (32.9%). We also have another category of appointees, which we consider Special Case Appointees.
“These are appointees who are supposed to be enrolled onto the national payroll system. They number 830, constituting 17.58%”
The CSA Director-General added that during the Personnel and Credential Verification Exercise, the Ministry’s Excuse Ledger presented 18 employees with legitimate excuses. But it was discovered that 3 out of every 10 employees remain unverified.
According to Dr Joekai, after careful review of personnel files, some employees’ records lacked employment letters, credentials, letters of recommendation from schools, communities, and religious institutions, as well as national identification cards, among other required documents.
“What that shows is a weak documentation system, and that undermines accountability and workforce planning. It needs immediate intervention,” he said.
In addition, the verification exercise reportedly uncovered attendance anomalies. The report outlined a series of recommendations, including salary deductions, suspension without pay, and dismissals.
Dr Joekai said, “Attendance anomalies account for 474 cases. A total of 279 employees are due to face various penalties, including salary deductions for 77 individuals, 305 persons recommended for suspension, and 92 persons recommended for dismissal.
“These attendance anomalies signal a disturbing problem with productivity and efficiency, which must be addressed as per the recommendations contained in the report.”
Source: Front Page Africa
(Quotes via original reporting)
In Liberia, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has given the Ministry of Local Government a comprehensive Personnel and Credential Verification Report, following an exercise launched late last year, along with a Human Resources Digital System on Personnel Management, Front Page Africa
At the request of the Ministry of Local Government (formerly known as the Ministry of Internal Affairs), the CSA launched the Personnel and Credential Verification Exercise, beginning in Montserrado County, in December 2025.
The process reportedly resumed in February 2026, covering the remaining fourteen counties and targeting all employees of the Ministry of Local Government across the nation.
On May 8, the report was presented by CSA Director-General, Dr Josiah F. Joekai Jr., to the Minister of Local Government, F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., at the Ministry of Local Government in Monrovia.
Dr Joekai stated that a total of 4,724 employees, representing 100 per cent of the Ministry’s workforce, were targeted during the 24-day exercise.
Of that number, 3,325 employees (70 per cent) were duly verified. 1,381 employees (29 per cent) were not verified during the exercise.
Dr Joekai said, “Of the total workforce of the Ministry of Local Government, civil servants constitute 1,770 (37.5%), while appointees who are being paid make up 1,555 (32.9%). We also have another category of appointees, which we consider Special Case Appointees.
“These are appointees who are supposed to be enrolled onto the national payroll system. They number 830, constituting 17.58%”
The CSA Director-General added that during the Personnel and Credential Verification Exercise, the Ministry’s Excuse Ledger presented 18 employees with legitimate excuses. But it was discovered that 3 out of every 10 employees remain unverified.
According to Dr Joekai, after careful review of personnel files, some employees’ records lacked employment letters, credentials, letters of recommendation from schools, communities, and religious institutions, as well as national identification cards, among other required documents.
“What that shows is a weak documentation system, and that undermines accountability and workforce planning. It needs immediate intervention,” he said.
In addition, the verification exercise reportedly uncovered attendance anomalies. The report outlined a series of recommendations, including salary deductions, suspension without pay, and dismissals.
Dr Joekai said, “Attendance anomalies account for 474 cases. A total of 279 employees are due to face various penalties, including salary deductions for 77 individuals, 305 persons recommended for suspension, and 92 persons recommended for dismissal.
“These attendance anomalies signal a disturbing problem with productivity and efficiency, which must be addressed as per the recommendations contained in the report.”
Source: Front Page Africa
(Quotes via original reporting)
