Sanniquellie City, Nimba County — Hundreds of civil servants from ministries and agencies gathered at the Sanniquellie Administrative Hall on June 23 to mark African Public Service Day under the theme: “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi‑Stakeholders to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063.”
By D. Franklin Doloquee
Vice President Jeremiah Koung praised public servants for their dedication, calling public service a “sacred responsibility” that demands integrity, professionalism and results.
He lauded civil servants as “the quiet architects of national progress the bridge between government policy and delivery ” and emphasized the central role of water and sanitation in health, education and economic growth.
Referring to the African Union’s target for universal access to safe water and sanitation, Vice President Koung framed the effort as a governance challenge requiring strong institutions, collaborative leadership and active community participation.
“Achieving this vision will require more than plans and policy,” he said. “It will require public servants who are willing to work beyond the call of duty, who see their work not merely as employment but as a sacred responsibility to future generations.”
He urged deeper cross‑sector partnerships, greater community empowerment and investments in public servants so institutions can deliver essential services and build public confidence.
“The true measure of public service is not what we promise; it’s what we deliver,” the Vice President added.
Vice President Koung also acknowledged the personal sacrifices many public servants make during crises, thanking them for their service and offering prayers for the nation. “Your work matters. Our nation is grateful to you,” he stated.
The ceremony drew cabinet members, legislators, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), county superintendents, mayors, traditional leaders, international partners and members of the media.
Organizers used the occasion to highlight plans to prioritize water and sanitation within broader national development efforts.
Separately, government officials, civil servants, media representatives and community leaders celebrated the restoration and reopening of the historic 1959 Assembly Points Building at the superintendent’s compound.
Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono praised the renovation as a restoration of “the seat of governance” and an example of decentralization in practice.
She paid tribute to notable past officials, including the late Jackson Fiah Doe and said the restored building symbolizes effective leadership, strengthens county governance, promotes heritage preservation and supports local economic activity by improving civic infrastructure.
In a related CSA event on June 22, Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai highlighted the government’s decentralization agenda, noting that renovated regional offices are bringing services closer to citizens and that additional facilities are planned across multiple counties with support from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and local authorities.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Director General, Nathaniel Kiobo, announced that at President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s direction, the government will soon review the public service salary structure to better align wages with current economic realities and improve employees welfare and motivation.
Organizers said the events underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the civil service, advancing decentralization and improving the quality of services available to Liberians.
