[By: Pewu Y. Sumo]
Monrovia — In a significant step to address the severe lack of seating in Liberian schools, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Hon. Josiah Joekai, has presented the first batch of the “One Child, One Chair” initiative launched by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
According to Liberian Journalist Nyantee Togba, Dr. Josiah Joekai delivered 525 locally-made school chairs on Monday, December 15, under President Boakai’s initiative.
Crucially, these chairs were funded using salaries withheld from approximately 400 public officials who were suspended in February of this year for failing to declare their assets. President Boakai officially handed the chairs over to the Ministry of Education.
This delivery fulfills a commitment made by the CSA Boss. Following the suspensions, Director Joekai had informed Liberians at a Ministry of Information press briefing that the proceeds from the officials’ withheld salaries would be channeled directly into the “One Child, One Chair” initiative.
The suspensions were part of President Boakai’s broader anti-corruption and transparency drive initiated earlier this year. The Liberian Chief Executive suspended over 450 public officials after they failed to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) within the required timeframe, despite having been granted a 10-day grace period to comply.
During the early days of his leadership, the President emphasized the importance of asset declaration, terming it “crucial for promoting transparency and restoring public trust in government institutions.”
Meanwhile, CSA Director Josiah Joekai praised the inter-agency collaboration that made the delivery possible, specifically acknowledging the Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports, and Finance.
Supporters of the ruling Unity Party (UP-Alliance) have hailed the government’s move for living up to its promise. This delivery comes as the administration continues to face scrutiny from critics to address commitments made during and after the 2023 elections.
Clue: Nyantee Togba
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