By : Julius Konton
Liberia’s public sector reform drive reached a major milestone in 2025 as the Civil Service Agency (CSA) released its Annual Workforce and Reform Report, revealing sweeping institutional changes, expanded payroll integration, digital governance upgrades, and international recognition for Liberia’s reform model.
The report, issued by CSA Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., details the transformation of Liberia’s civil service into a more transparent, data-driven, and employee-centered system, aligning workforce management with global best practices.
Workforce Grows as Government Prioritizes Service Delivery
According to the report, Liberia’s total public workforce increased to 63,130 employees in 2025, up from 60,900 in 2024, despite inheriting a bloated payroll of 67,746 in earlier years.
Dr. Joekai emphasized that the increase reflects strategic integration of verified professionals, not political patronage.
“These are not ghost names or flat-rate additions,” he said. “These are qualified professionals embedded in the education, health, security, and agricultural sectors, contributing directly to national transformation.”
Workforce Breakdown (2025)
Civil servants: 59,018 (93.4%)
Appointed officials: 4,112 (6.5%)
Gender Imbalance Exposed by Data-Driven Governance
The report highlights stark gender disparities within Liberia’s civil service:
Civil Servants:
Male: 45,277 (76.7%)
Female: 13,741 (23.2%)
Appointed Officials:
Male: 3,509 (85.3%)
Female: 603 (14.6%)
Dr. Joekai said the data will guide targeted gender-equity interventions, noting that CSA policy decisions are now “based on evidence, not assumptions.”
Paper-Based LPA Abolished as Liberia Embraces Biometric Governance
One of the most significant reforms in 2025 was the complete discontinuation of paper-based Legal Power of Attorney (LPA) transactions, a system that had existed for decades.
“The paper LPA is officially discontinued,” Dr. Joekai announced. “Liberia is now fully operating an automated, biometric-based LPA system”, he re-emphasized.
How the New LPA System Works
Employees enroll biometrically at CSA or during institutional outreach
Transactions are verified using fingerprint authentication
Employees access approved credit instantly at enrolled vendors
CSA, banks, and the Ministry of Finance manage backend settlements
The CSA has already deployed customized Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, enrolled vendors nationwide, and biometrically registered thousands of public employees.
The reform eliminates bureaucracy, reduces fraud, and accelerates service delivery, key pillars of Liberia’s e-governance agenda.
Long-Term Loan Schemes Extend to Five Years
Beyond short-term financial relief, the CSA negotiated long-term credit facilities with government-partnered banks, extending repayment periods from 12–24 months to three to five years.
Employees can now:
Build homes
Start small businesses
Invest in agriculture or education
Purchase essential household assets
Dr. Joekai recounted an employee who received 60% of her loan in U.S. dollars, calling the reform “real empowerment, not political rhetoric.”
Salary Advances and Low-Interest Relief Expand
In 2025, two commercial banks launched salary-advance facilities, offering up to 50% of monthly salaries at approximately 1% interest.
More banks have committed to join the scheme in 2026.
“These initiatives are designed to improve morale, productivity, and financial stability,” Dr. Joekai said.
Payroll Reforms Strengthen Accountability
The CSA, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Office of the Comptroller and Accountant General, is finalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for payroll management.
“If payments improved in 2025, they will be even better in 2026,” Dr. Joekai assured.
Historic Integration of Volunteers Ends Years of Injustice
Education Sector:
2,148 volunteer teachers integrated into payroll
Many served 5–6 years without pay
Verified with the Ministry of Education
At the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS):
Initial list: 704 volunteers
Verified: 459 legitimate teachers
208 placed on payroll in 2025
Remaining 251 scheduled for 2026
Health Sector:
1,879 health workers integrated
1,050 fully accounted for in 2025 report
829 paid through special arrangements after payroll closure
Over 2,000 additional vetted health workers are under review for future integration, he further disclosed.
Salary Top-Ups Benefit 23,588 Essential Workers
He said while facing fiscal constraints, the government adopted a phased salary harmonization approach, prioritizing:
Health
Education
Agriculture
Security
In 2025 alone, 23,588 workers received salary top-ups.
Merit-Based Recruitment Through Testing Center
Liberia launched its first national civil service testing center on July 28, 2025.
550 Liberians sat the exams
Successful candidates already absorbed into ministries and agencies
Dr. Joekai said the initiative professionalizes public service entry and curbs nepotism.
Board of Appeal Restores Confidence
The reconstitution of the Civil Service Board of Appeal resulted in:
214 grievances filed
71 civil servants reinstated
According to him, The reform strengthens job security while enforcing accountability.
Anti-Corruption Action Funds Education
In February 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended over 400 officials amid accountability measures.
CSA:
Blocked affected salaries
Redirected over US$90,000 to an escrow account
Funded 525 student chairs under the President’s “One Child, One Chair” initiative
“This is what accountability looks like,” Dr. Joekai said.
Liberia Emerges as Regional Reform Leader
In 2025, Liberia was elected Chair of the African Health and Public Service Network, with Dr. Joekai presenting Liberia’s payroll integration model in Addis Ababa and Kigali.
Liberia has also been selected to lead the establishment of the ECOWAS Public Service Commission Framework, with plans for a Monrovia Declaration.
“Our reforms are now being replicated across Africa and the Caribbean,” Dr. Joekai noted.
A Reform Model Under Global Watch
Despite years of criticism, Liberia’s public service reforms are now drawing international praise.
“Liberia is not just reforming, it is leading,” Dr. Joekai concluded.
