CSA Unveils US$98K Funding -Adds 600 ‘New’ Workers On Gov’t Payroll By Godgift Harris

The amount is to be used for “One Child, One Chair” Initiative. The government also commits US$3.8 million to education, health, agriculture and security.

The total of 5,512 healthcare workers are now receiving top-up salaries, while 600 healthcare volunteers have been officially added to the government’s payroll.

The exercise is a bold move to reinforce President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s educational reform agenda for which the government allocated nearly US$98,600.

The project is to launch the first phase of the “One Child, One Chair” policy, aim at addressing the longstanding issue of classroom furniture shortages across public schools.

Civil Service Agency (CSA), Director General, Josiah Joekai, made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia on Tuesday May 20, 2025.

 Joekai said the initial production of 2,000 chairs will be undertaken locally at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC), emphasizing the government’s commitment to boosting local manufacturing and job creation.

He also disclosed that the funding was generated through salary savings from 400 government officials, who were suspended in line with the President’s mandate to streamline the public sector and enhance service delivery.

“This initiative demonstrates the government’s resolve to provide a better learning environment for our children and to invest in their future,” Joekai stated.

 He praised the collaboration between the CSA and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) for swiftly facilitating the financial support.

Beyond education, Joekai outlined a broader US$3.8 million as government’s commitment to strengthen health, agriculture and national security sectors.

This will be done with a significant focus on improving employees’ welfares through top-up salary payments.

Health Sector: 5,512 healthcare workers are now receiving top-up salaries, while 600 healthcare volunteers have been officially added to the government’s payroll.

Liberia National Police: 5,927 officers are benefiting from salary enhancements, with the force expected to grow to 8,662 officers nationwide.

Liberia Immigration Service, around 7,500 personnel are receiving top-up payments totaling US$900,000.

Liberia National Fire Service 727 employees are now benefiting from increased salary support.

“These strategic interventions are key to meeting the President’s national development goals and enhancing service delivery in vital sectors,” Joekai added.

In a related development, Joekai accused former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, of creating 242 unauthorized positions under a “supplementary payroll” within the central administration of the Legislature.

He alleged that many of the individuals now protesting the government’s reform efforts were beneficiaries of “these irregular appointments.”

Joekai pledged to publish the names of those involved and reaffirmed Boakai’s administration of unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance as it implements sweeping reforms across the country.

The launch of the “One Child, One Chair” initiative marks a critical step forward in government’s broader mission to ensure every Liberian child has access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.