Government to Retire Over 6,000 Civil Servants Across Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia The Liberian Government has announced plans to retire more than 6,000 public servants as part of a major effort to reform and strengthen the country’s civil service.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. said the 2026 retirement exercise will affect employees who have reached the mandatory retirement age or qualify for retirement due to health reasons under Liberia’s Pension Law.

According to Dr. Joekai, the exercise was originally expected to begin in 2025 but was delayed because of unresolved administrative issues from previous retirement programs.

The Ministries of Education and Health will be the most affected, with more than 4,000 workers expected to retire from the two sectors. To prevent disruptions in schools and health facilities, the government will allow both ministries to temporarily retain certain highly skilled workers for up to two years.

Officials say the move is intended to create opportunities for younger Liberians seeking government jobs, improve workforce planning, and help modernize public institutions.

Dr. Joekai stressed that retirement should not be seen as a punishment but as recognition of years of service to the country. He said the government is committed to ensuring that retirees are treated with dignity and respect.

While the exercise is expected to open doors for new professionals, experts have warned that replacing experienced teachers, health workers, and administrators will require careful planning to avoid shortages and interruptions in public services.

The retirement program forms part of the Boakai administration’s broader effort to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across government institutions.