Calls for Public Sector Reforms Enhancement
Monrovia, Liberia – Prof. Dr. Alaric K. Tokpa, Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Governance Commission, has listed the following as the governance crises that the Boakai-Koung administration inherited: indiscipline, corruption, impunity, overpoliticization of the civil service, overstaffing of government institutions, intimidation and killing of professionals.
Dr. Tokpa contends that while it is true that President Joseph N. Boakai’s administration inherited a dysfunctional political structure from the previous Coalition for Democratic Change, nonetheless he believes the country’s public sector reforms must be implemented with the utmost seriousness.
In his speech on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Affairs, and Tourism, he also suggested that system reform be implemented in order to solve these issues, noting that this is best accomplished via group effort. He bemoaned the necessity for the government to support the public sector’s efficacy, efficiency, accountability, transparency, and capacity building as a result.
He added that during former president George M. Weah’s administration, there was little to no consideration for laws and regulations and little to no attention paid to the ideals of accountability, openness, and excellent performance.
“It is no secret that the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai inherited a broken government system and too many challenges caused by such factors as poor governance, the over-politicization of the civil service, and overstaffing of government institutions; indiscipline, corruption, impunity, and the intimidation and killing of professionals.”
On October 1, 2024 the government of Liberia Through the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Director General of the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) signed a memorandum after several months of consultation on the need to deliberately, persistently, and consistently stand together and work with other stakeholders to pursue public sector and civil service reform in Liberia.
The MoU is crucial nature of such a relation for public and civil service reform, national capacity building, and social economic development, we have resolved to revive the Tripod, the tripartite arrangement between the three institutions of government.
In addition, the institutions have decided to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) in order to properly implement the MOU, and the group’s responsibilities have been spelled out in detail in its terms of reference (TOR).
The Liberian educator stated that because they understand the importance of these institutions and their roles in social economic development and national renewal at the local, state, and federal levels, they have made the decision to stand united in strong solidarity and collaborate with other relevant parties to advance the necessary reforms needed for the effective execution of the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development, or AAID.
“Today, the Governance Commission (GC) stands with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) to declare to Liberia and the world that public sector reform in Liberia has become an international concern and a domestic demand that must be carried out with outmost seriousness.”
He said, in addition, the government will have to implement civil service reform, strengthen professional and technical human resource capability, promote gender equality, and reorganize public institutions by streamlining their mandates and duties.
He emphasized the necessity of legislative, legal, and judicial changes, emphasizing that maintaining national integrity and decentralizing governance will be necessary for the government.
He made the point that in addition, the government would have to keep an eye on and assess the accomplishments and level of performance in public institutions.
“Above all, we must translate the national vision into attainable goals, objectives, and programs as well as policies. However, in order to fully involve domestic and international stakeholders, including the government, lawmakers, the judiciary, civil society, the private sector, public institutions, public servants, citizens at large, and international development partners, we will need to go beyond the MOU that will be signed today.”
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
