Liberia: Govt Institutions Called to Order

21 February 2024
The New Dawn (Monrovia)

--Reminded to uphold PFM Law in protecting Accountants and Comptrollers

Liberian Government Ministries and Agencies have been called to order with a sharp reminder against the suspension, transfers, reassignments, and dismissals of Comptrollers and Accountant staff in the country.

Through a press release dated 21 February 2024, the Comptroller and Accountant General (CAG) urged Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions to uphold the Public Financial Management Law (PFM).

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning through the office of the CAG has called on all government entities to acknowledge and uphold the PFM Law of Liberia, regarding the suspension, transfers, reassignments, and dismissals of Comptrollers and Accountants.

The statement detailed that the PFM Law of Liberia clearly outlines the authority and responsibilities of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, the Civil Service Agency, and the CAG in matters concerning the appointment, suspension, reassignment, and dismissal of comptrollers and accountant staff within government ministries, agencies, and commissions.

According to the office of the CAG, the power and authority to effect the change of status (suspension, transfers, reassignments, dismissals) of Comptrollers and Accounting staff squarely lies in the purview of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, CSA, and the CAG.

"Such decision as explained by the CAG office is consistent with Part II, Section 12; (3, 4 and 5) of the amended and restated Public Financial Management (PFM) law of 2009 captioned, "power and duties of Comptroller and Accountant General," the release said.

It continued that the provision clearly articulates the authority of the CAG as: "head of the accountant class within the public service to which all accounting staff in that service belong."

It continued "with authority to station in any ministry of agency of government accounting staff and shall give general or specific instructions to line Ministries, Agencies, Commissions (MACs) and public officers consistent with the provisions of the act in consultation with the Minister of Finance and Development Planning."

This law serves as a crucial framework for maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management across all sectors of the Liberian government.

Additionally, heads of ministries, agencies, and commissions are encouraged to refer all matters about change of the status of accounting staff (including Comptrollers) to the office of the Comptroller and Accountant General for appropriate action, in line with the PFM Law.

Moreover, the Comptroller and Accountant General office says it remains resolute in ensuring that all accounting staff exhibit the highest standards of professionalism in the execution of their duties. --Press release

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