Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-27 01:26:00
The Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia has requested the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive forensic system and financial audit. This audit will cover the CSA’s governance and fiscal operations, including government funding and donor support, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023.
Director General Josiah F. Joekai formally made the request on March 27, 2024, in Monrovia. The audit is scheduled to be part of the GAC’s audits starting in July 2024 and will be included within the commission’s budget.
During a briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on March 21, 2024, Mr. Joekai outlined the efforts being made to improve payroll management at the CSA. He mentioned the collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to automate the payroll system, transitioning from the Alternative Temporary Automated Pay System (ATAPS) to a more efficient Civil Service Management system. This transition, a 100-day milestone for President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration, aims to streamline payroll procedures, reduce human intervention, and minimize financial mismanagement.
In addition, the CSA has drafted policy guidelines to transform the selection, employment, and management of consultants and consulting firms. This reform is a departure from previous corrupt practices, with a proposed consultancy budget allocation of $2,000,000 for the upcoming fiscal period, saving the government $4.1 million. Mr. Joekai emphasized that the savings could be redirected to essential services like education, agriculture, healthcare, and sanitation, aligning with the government’s ARREST Agenda.
Furthermore, the CSA implemented measures to address unauthorized employment and salary adjustments as directed by former President George Manneh Weah. Individuals employed after December 18, 2023, were removed from the payroll, and promotions during the suspension period were reversed. The agency also blocked employees from various ministries pending verification exercises and discovered discrepancies in payroll management, with individuals receiving pay without proper documentation.
By undertaking these reform efforts, the CSA aims to achieve significant cost savings and ensure that public funds are used judiciously. The agency remains committed to fostering a more accountable, efficient, and productive civil service for all Liberians.
Ultimately, the audit of the CSA’s governance and fiscal operations is a step towards transparency, accountability, and financial prudence in public administration. It highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer money is managed effectively and responsibly, setting a precedent for ethical practices and good governance in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
