The Ministry of Internal Affairs has observed with regrets the allegations by Grand Bassa County Representative, Byron Brown in the media that the Ministry has refused to place over 200 chiefs of the 15 political sub-divisions of the country on government's payroll.  In a press statement issued yesterday, the Ministry clarified that those chiefs who are not on payroll are either “replacees” who were recommended by county authorities to replace dead or incapacitated chiefs, or are chiefs appointed to newly created chiefdoms, clans or amalgamated towns.   The Ministry said since 2006, it has not removed any chief from the government's payroll nor has it refused to ensure that those “replacees” are placed on government's payroll. 

The Ministry further explained that on several occasions its budget submitted to the National Legislature to cover “replacees” and other employees including chiefs has always been reduced to the disadvantage of the Ministry.  The Ministry of Internal Affairs further noted that it has been working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Agency to resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the annual shortfall in the Ministry's budget continues to hinder efforts to resolve the placement of “replacee” Chiefs on payroll. The Ministry has therefore advised Rep. Brown and others, that it would be prudent to cross-check information before releasing it to the public. Meanwhile, the Ministry has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to working with all chiefs throughout the length and breadth of the country without any discrimination.