By: Julius Konton
In a symbolic gesture ahead of Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations, the Chaplain-General of the Liberian Senate, Apostle Sagacious A. Jallah, has honored the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., for what he described as exemplary leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to transforming Liberia’s public service.
The recognition ceremony, held Friday at the Civil Service Agency headquarters in Congo Town, brought together senior government officials, clergy, and staff members, highlighting growing national support for ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing Liberia’s civil service.
Presenting a commemorative plaque and offering a special prayer of blessing, Apostle Jallah praised Dr. Joekai’s stewardship of the CSA, saying the institution has become a driving force behind efforts to build a more professional, accountable, and productive public sector.
“The transition that I am witnessing encouraged me to personally come and express my appreciation, present this recognition, and offer a prayer because there are individuals whose dedication deserves to be recognized,” Apostle Jallah declared.
He emphasized that thousands of Liberians continue to admire both the work of the Civil Service Agency and the leadership demonstrated by its Director-General, noting that genuine public service should always be acknowledged and celebrated.
The recognition comes just days before Liberia commemorates its 179th Independence Anniversary on July 26, a national milestone that celebrates the country’s declaration of independence in 1847, making Liberia Africa’s oldest independent republic.
The occasion traditionally serves as a time for national reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to democratic governance and development.
Apostle Jallah urged Liberians to embrace the Independence Day celebrations as an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion and collectively support reforms that improve governance and public service delivery.
Driving Public Sector Transformation
Since assuming leadership of the Civil Service Agency, Dr. Joekai has spearheaded reforms intended to improve efficiency, accountability, digital governance, and human resource management across Liberia’s public sector.
The CSA remains the government’s principal institution responsible for managing the country’s civil service workforce, implementing personnel policies, and promoting merit-based public administration.
Recent government reports indicate that Liberia’s civil service workforce comprises more than 63,000 public employees, reflecting the critical role the CSA plays in strengthening governance and ensuring effective service delivery throughout the country.
Public sector reform has also remained central to the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the Boakai administration’s national development framework, which prioritizes institutional capacity building, transparency, and improved public sector performance.
An Emotional Acceptance
Receiving the honor, Dr. Joekai expressed profound gratitude, describing the recognition as unexpected and deeply moving.
“This truly came as a surprise to me. I am deeply emotional because I never expected such an honor, nor the powerful wording and inscription on this plaque,” he said.
The CSA Director-General dedicated the recognition to the entire Civil Service Agency workforce, describing it as a source of renewed inspiration to continue implementing reforms that strengthen Liberia’s public institutions.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to building a professional, ethical, and efficient civil service capable of supporting sustainable national development and improving service delivery for all Liberians.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for national peace, unity, and continued progress as Liberia prepares to celebrate nearly two centuries of independence.
Apostle Jallah was accompanied by Bishop Dr. E. Reuben Logan II of the Apostolic Outreach Church International in Joe Bar, Paynesville, who joined in offering prayers for the leadership of the Civil Service Agency and the future of Liberia’s public institutions.
