Published: June 19, 2026
MONROVIA – More than 6,000 Liberian public servants have been identified for retirement under a national exercise the Civil Service Agency relaunched Wednesday, with the Education and Health ministries alone accounting for more than 4,000 of those slated to leave the government payroll.
CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. announced the 2026 National Retirement Exercise, which was postponed in 2025 because of administrative backlogs, at a press conference at the E.J.S. Ministerial Complex. He said the workers were identified for retirement consideration based on age and health qualifications under Liberia’s Pension Law. The Education and Health ministries may request temporary retention of specialized personnel needed for critical services, he added.
“Retirement represents a well-deserved recognition of years of dedicated service to the Republic of Liberia, and the Government remains committed to ensuring that retirees transition with dignity, honor, and appreciation,” Dr. Joekai said.
The retirement announcement came as part of a sweeping package of public sector reforms the CSA boss unveiled at the briefing, spanning information security, decentralization, modernization, employee welfare and institutional efficiency.
Chief among them, the Agency has ordered the nationwide implementation of a mandatory Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement for all public servants, requiring employees across government ministries, agencies, commissions, state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions to comply by July 31, 2026. Dr. Joekai said the final version of the agreement has been reviewed and approved by Attorney General and Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh Sr., clearing the way for immediate rollout.
He said the measure is intended to strengthen professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct and the responsible handling of sensitive government information.
“Integrity, professionalism, confidentiality and accountability remain essential pillars of an effective public service,” Dr. Joekai declared. “The implementation of this agreement is intended to safeguard confidential government information, strengthen ethical standards and reinforce public trust in state institutions.”
Under the directive, all government institutions must ensure employees sign the agreement, keep proper records through their Human Resource Management Offices, and submit compliance reports to the CSA, including scanned copies of signed agreements, no later than July 31.
On modernization, Dr. Joekai said the Agency has procured a 200 KVA Perkins generator and finalized arrangements to install a Starlink internet system to improve connectivity, digital services and productivity. It has also acquired six vehicles, including four SUVs for senior management and two buses for employees, to strengthen field operations and nationwide monitoring.
“Improving public service delivery begins with creating a modern, functional, and efficient work environment for public servants,” he said.
As part of its decentralization agenda, the CSA has completed renovations at its Western Regional Office in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, which will serve civil servants in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties. The Agency has also secured land in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, for a Southeastern Regional Office and in Gbarnga, Bong County, for a Central Regional Headquarters.
“These initiatives represent a historic investment in decentralization and demonstrate our commitment to bringing government services directly closer to the people,” Dr. Joekai said.
The Director-General also defended the Government’s Legal Power of Attorney scheme, describing it as one of the most impactful employee empowerment initiatives in the public sector. Enrollment has grown to 9,416 employees, while 1,149 transactions valued at US$587,486.16 have been processed.
He warned that Human Resource Directors who deliberately deny eligible employees access to the program could face disciplinary action, including suspension without pay.
“This communication serves as the final warning to all Human Resource Directors regarding this matter,” Dr. Joekai cautioned.
He reaffirmed the CSA’s commitment to building a professional, efficient and accountable public service, saying the reforms reflect the government’s determination to modernize institutions and improve service delivery nationwide.
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