MONROVIA — Another group of public employees is on the verge of losing their jobs under the Unity Party–led government, this time at the Governance Commission (GC).
A circular from the commission, obtained by The Liberian Investigator, reveals that the decision stems from a personnel audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
The affected employees are those hired between July 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2023.
According to the notification signed by Alaric K. Tokpa, acting chairman of the Governance Commission, the move is in line with the GAC Act of 2007 (Part IV, Section 4.18), the GC Employee Handbook of 2014 (Section 9.1), and the commission’s job descriptions.
“I write to notify you of an important update regarding your current position at the Governance Commission,” Tokpa stated. “This is in strict adherence to findings from the Audit Query conducted from July 1, 2021, to Dec. 30, 2023, by the General Auditing Commission and the Credential Verification Report of the Governance Commission.”
He explained that the GAC audit, along with a separate credential verification process, revealed discrepancies among staff hired during that period. As a result, all such employees must reapply and undergo proper vetting to retain their positions—if they are deemed qualified.
Tokpa noted that the initial recruitment of those employees lacked a competitive process, which necessitates corrective measures to maintain a qualified and capable workforce at the commission.
“Under these circumstances, you are advised to apply for a position that will be advertised in accordance with GC job descriptions and the GC Employee Handbook (Section 9.1), through the upcoming competitive recruitment process to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with established policies,” Tokpa added.
The reapplication window opens May 1 and closes May 15, 2025.
“We understand this may be an unexpected development. However, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to enhance accountability and operational integrity within the Governance Commission,” Tokpa stated.
An interoffice memo further explained that a recruitment committee will oversee the process to ensure transparency and competitiveness for all individuals affected.
“Employees within this category will be required to reapply for their positions through this competitive process. Positions will be advertised in accordance with GC job descriptions,” Tokpa emphasized.
While the exact number of employees affected remains unclear, sources within the institution estimate the number could reach as high as 100.
Most of the employees now required to reapply were hired under the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
In recent months, senior CDC officials have accused the Unity Party government of targeting public employees perceived as loyal to the opposition, especially the CDC.
It can be recalled that at the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), several employees were dismissed. Additionally, high-profile tenure officials, including commissioners at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), were suspended indefinitely, clearing the way for appointments such as former Lofa Rep. Patrick Honnah, former Margibi Rep. Clarence Massaquoi, Ben Fofana, and Abdullah Kamara, CEO of Tama TV and the National Vocational and Technical Institute.
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