Suspension of BSE HR Director Sparks Controversy

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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: A brewing controversy has hit the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE) following the indefinite suspension of the institution’s Human Resource Director, Madam Agatha M. Mulbah, under circumstances she has described as “unbearable” and “in total disregard for due process.”

By Contributing Writer

In a formal communication dated September 12, 2025, and addressed to the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Mr. Josiah F. Joekai, Madam Mulbah protested her suspension, which was first announced on ELBC News on the evening of September 11, 2025.

According to the broadcast, Acting BSE Director General Varlee F. Sanor, who is undergoing an investigation on corruption allegations, accused Madam Mulbah of “wrongfully disclosing and circulating sensitive payroll-related information” to unauthorzed individuals.

The following morning, Madam Mulbah said she was formally served her suspension letter by Mr. Jerome I. Mulbah, a staff member from  Sanor’s office. She expressed shock over what she termed an “unjust and unlawful action,” stressing that she was never given the opportunity to defend herself.

Citing Chapter 4.2.1 of the Civil Service Standing Orders, Madam Mulbah emphasized that “disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated only after the employee concerned has been given adequate opportunity to exculpate himself.” She further referenced Chapter 4.2.6, which she claims was disregarded by the Acting Director General in suspending her.

In her complaint to the CSA, Madam Mulbah also alleged that she was verbally threatened by  Sanor.

“He told me that if I didn’t leave the premises of the entity, I would be arrested by the police,” she revealed, describing the ordeal as both humiliating and intimidating.

She maintained that the allegation of payroll data leakage is false and without basis.

“The allegation against me is not true to my knowledge,” she asserted, while calling for urgent intervention from the CSA and other oversight bodies.

The BSE’s payroll system has long faced scrutiny due to persistent concerns over transparency, ghost names, and irregular salary payments within state,owned enterprises. Analysts warn that this latest dispute could further erode public confidence in the bureau’s operations, particularly as the government pushes to clean up its payroll system and tighten fiscal discipline.

“This is exactly why Liberia has standing orders,to prevent arbitrary decisions and protect workers’ rights,” one senior labor official told the media  on condition of anonymity.

As the controversy deepens, questions linger over whether the Acting BSE Director General acted within the law or prematurely punished his Human Resource Director. The CSA’s response is now being closely watched, as its decision could set a precedent for how disciplinary matters are handled within public service institutions.

For now, Madam Mulbah says she remains in a state of uncertainty and emotional distress as she awaits clarity from the CSA and higher authorities.