27/05/2026
OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM DR. JOSIAH F. JOEKAI, JR. TO SENATOR AMARA KONNEHโS ATTACKS AND MISREPRESENTATIONS
I have taken note of the recent public attacks and misleading assertions made by Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County regarding my person, professional conduct, and role in government. While I ordinarily choose to remain focused on service delivery and national reforms rather than political distractions, it has become necessary to correct the deliberate distortions and false equivalencies being promoted in the public space, especially by a sitting Senator.
First and foremost, Senator Konnehโs attempt to compare the circumstances surrounding Madam Emma Glassco to my role and responsibilities as Director General of the Civil Service Agency is completely false, misleading, and intellectually dishonest. Madam Glassco occupied a tenure position governed by distinct legal and policy limitations. I, on the other hand, serve as a political appointee at the will and pleasure of the President of the Republic of Liberia and have not violated any laws. These are fundamentally different legal and administrative frameworks that cannot reasonably or credibly be compared.
Additionally, I am not a civil servant, I am a political appointee with the mandate to head and manage the civil service. Civil service regulations are binding on civil servants, not political appointees. So, the claims that I violated civil service regulations are utterly dishonest, deceptive, and completely erroneous.
For the record, I am not a member of any political party in Liberia. Although I have chosen not to do so at this point, it is however my right guaranteed by the constitution of Liberia. Like many Liberians, I have exercised my constitutional right as a citizen to affiliate with and support candidates during elections based on personal convictions and national interests. Such support does not constitute formal political party membership. At no point have I used the Civil Service Agency or my official position to engage in partisan political activities, nor have I violated any law, regulation, or provision of the Code of Conduct governing Presidential appointees.
My attendance, like many other officials of government at the NIMBO event on Sunday, not a week day, was entirely within my constitutional rights as a Liberian citizen and did not interfere with or compromise my official responsibilities. Liberia remains a democratic state governed by law, and no citizen should be criminalized or politically attacked for exercising lawful constitutional freedoms. What is most disappointing, however, is the growing pattern of bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks by Senator Konneh against individuals associated with or supportive of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
A sitting Senator should elevate public discourse and contribute constructively to national dialogue, not promote resentment, personal vendettas, and politically motivated misinformation. The Senatorโs claim that employees of the Monrovia City Corporation were disciplined for political reasons is entirely false and deceptive. His claim has no iota of truth. Those actions were taken strictly on the basis of repeated misconduct, violations of standards of conduct, sustained public insults against government officials, dissemination of false information, and behavior inconsistent with the ethics and professionalism expected of public servants. No serious government anywhere in the world tolerates indiscipline, abuse, and coordinated attacks against public institutions by individuals simultaneously serving within those same institutions.
As Director General of the Civil Service Agency, I remain committed to restoring discipline, professionalism, accountability, integrity, and efficiency within the public service. Under my leadership, the CSA has undertaken significant reforms aimed at strengthening governance systems, modernizing public sector administration, improving employee accountability, and ensuring greater professionalism across government institutions. These reforms are producing measurable national impact and gaining recognition both within Liberia and across the African continent.
Disagreement with government policies or decisions should never justify distortion of facts or personal attacks against individuals who are serving their country with diligence and integrity. Liberiaโs democracy will only advance through responsible leadership, truthfulness, fairness, and constructive engagement.
I remain fully focused on my national responsibilities and unwavering in my commitment to serve the Liberian people with professionalism, patriotism, humility, and dedication. No amount of political hostility or misinformation will distract me from the important work of advancing meaningful public service reforms for the benefit of our nation and its people.
Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., Ph.D.๏ฟฝDirector General of the Civil Service Agency of Liberia
Chairman of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa
Chairman of the Board of the Presidentโs Young Professionals Program
