CSA to Shuts Down Mobile Money Payroll System Across Liberia
MONROVIA – The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has announced the closure of its mobile money salary payment platform, effective October 31, 2024. The platform, initially created to facilitate payments for government employees in remote areas, has been shut down due to widespread misuse and fraud.
At a press briefing held on October 1, 2024, CSA Director General Josiah F. Joekai revealed that the mobile payment system had been exploited by some individuals and employees who defrauded the government. Joekai explained, "Some government workers received multiple payments within a month, a clear violation of public trust."
The CSA and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) conducted an investigation into the system and uncovered dishonest activities from December 2023 to July 2024. The misuse was detected with the help of major mobile operators Lonestar Cell-MTN and Orange Liberia, which provided records showing the irregularities.
In response to the fraud, the CSA will transition legitimate employees from the mobile money platform to a traditional bank payment system. Joekai expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the mobile companies in addressing the issue.
In addition, Joekai highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges within the government’s retirement and pension systems.
The CSA, in collaboration with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), launched pre-retirement counseling workshops across all 15 counties on August 26, 2024. So far, 1,403 potential retirees have been enrolled in the program.
Special focus has been placed on the Ministries of Health and Education, where health workers and teachers will now be able to extend their service until age 65 due to recruitment difficulties. Recruitment for new teachers and health workers will begin two months before current employees retire to ensure a smooth transition.
Joekai also announced that NASSCORP has removed the requirement for retirees to provide proof of monthly earnings for the last 10 years, which previously caused significant delays.
This change is expected to expedite the transition of retirees to the national pension payroll, with the first payments due by November 25, 2024.
The CSA's decision marks a significant shift in the government's payroll system, aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing fraud while ensuring a smoother retirement process for public sector workers.
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