Critics argue that the internal “query” used to justify the reapplication process does not align with the GC’s own 2014 Handbook, which is currently under review.
Monrovia – The Governance Commission (GC) of Liberia is facing scrutiny after instructing over 80 employees to reapply for their positions, a move officially attributed to audit and credential verification findings.
By Selma Lomax | [email protected]
While the GC frames this as a reform initiative, critics argue it may be a politically motivated purge aimed at consolidating power within the institution.
The GC cites reports from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and an internal Credential Verification Report, which flagged “non-competitive recruitment” practices between July 2021 and December 2023. These findings have led to the directive for affected staff to reapply for their roles.
However, insiders within the GC suggest that the timing and implementation of this decision point to underlying political motivations. “This is clearly a political maneuver to remove us under the guise of audit findings,” said one affected employee, who requested anonymity. “No meeting was held, no opportunity for redress—just a letter telling us to reapply like we were never legally employed.”
This directive follows a failed attempt in August 2024 to convert these employees’ status to contract-based positions, which was met with resistance. Sources within the GC view the current reapplication process as a continuation of that effort, albeit under the guise of compliance with audit recommendations.
Critics further argue that the internal “query” used to justify the reapplication process does not align with the GC’s own 2014 Handbook, which is currently under review.
Additionally, the requirements for reapplication are seen as excessive and inconsistent with the positions in question. For instance, some junior roles are now requiring intellectual property submissions, multiple letters of recommendation, and extensive prior work experience — criteria that many current employees cannot meet, especially considering their tenure at the GC.
The situation is compounded by recent leadership changes within the GC. Former Human Resource Director Edith Daline, who had previously defended the recruitment processes, has been reassigned to the program department.
Her deputy, Mohammed Konneh, is now serving as Acting HR Director. Daline’s reassignment has raised questions about the motivations behind the staff reapplication directive.
“In response to the findings under the “Non-competitive Recruitment Process” category, a vetting or recruitment committee will be established. This committee will oversee a transparent and competitive recruitment process for individuals flagged under this category. Employees within this category will be required to reapply for their positions through this competitive process. Positions will be advertised in accordance with the GC job descriptions.” – Alaric K. Tokpa, Acting Chairperson, Governance Commission
Moreover, the departure of former Executive Director Matthias Korpu, who was reportedly dismissed for opposing similar plans, has led to the appointment of Delphine Jones and Gebai Doiteh as Acting Deputy HR Director and Acting Executive Director, respectively. Both are perceived as allies of Acting Chairman Alaric Tokpa, who is believed to be driving the current staffing changes.
Following the issuance of reapplication letters, Jones and Doiteh have reportedly contacted some affected staff members, urging them to “remain calm” and suggesting that their cooperation could influence favorable outcomes.
“This is not about reform. It’s about control. Under the guise of transparency and reform, the Commission is staging a covert political cleansing to make room for loyalists aligned with the Unity Party-led government.” – Anonymous Affected Employee, Governance Commission
This has fueled further suspicions of a politically charged purge aimed at replacing current employees with loyalists aligned with the Unity Party-led government.
The GC’s actions have raised concerns about adherence to legal frameworks and institutional integrity. Several affected employees are considering legal action, while calls for an independent review of the Commission’s employment practices are growing. The situation has prompted discussions about the potential for political consolidation under the guise of administrative reform.
As the reapplication process commences, the Governance Commission’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal standards will be closely scrutinized. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for the Commission’s credibility and the broader landscape of public sector governance in Liberia.
FrontPageAfrica reached out to Acting Executive Director Gebai Doiteh for comment throughout the day, but her phone remained unanswered. A message was sent via WhatsApp, but she declined to respond.
