Statement by Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Sierra Leone
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,
I bring you greetings from Sierra Leone. It is an honor to bring to your knowledge the significant strides Sierra Leone has made in public service reforms and their role in shaping a future defined by good governance, peace, and sustainable development. Sierra Leone’s journey towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is firmly rooted in these reforms which are aimed at establishing the strong, effective public administration and service delivery systems that are critical for navigating Africa’s path to and beyond the Summit of the Future. Efficient public administration systems are the bedrock on which sustainable development and good governance are built. In Sierra Leone, we have recognized the necessity of an efficient, transparent, inclusive and accountable public service system to drive development and meet the aspirations of our people.
The government of Sierra Leone is currently implementing its National Medium-Term Development Plan (MTNDP) (2024-2030). The MTNDP outlines the vision of the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) to transform the country into a stable, prosperous, and resilient democracy with a Public Service that is professional, accountable, transparent, and service delivery oriented, the achievement of which hinges on the FIVE BIG GAME CHANGERS as their central fulcrum. The GOSL believes that prioritizing and devoting exceptional investment to Goal Four of the MTNDP, i.e. “Revamping the Public Service Architecture: Delivery, Efficiency and Professionalism” as a critical Policy Cluster in its national agenda, will lay the foundation for improving productivity and performance across the various sectors of the State. The public service is duly recognized as the engine of the state, serving as the go-between government and the people.
The Public Sector Reform Master Plan (PSRMP, 2024 – 2030) currently under development is harnessing a science-based approach to revamping and rejuvenating the public service architecture of Sierra Leone. As such, our deep understanding of the strategic intent and policy objectives, challenges, gaps, opportunities, and weaknesses as launchpads for critical interventions in revamping the operational and functional environments of the public service becomes inevitable. The reform efforts are geared towards silhouetting State capacity against Africa-wide best practices that would augment the competitiveness of the public service as a preferred employer of labour and an anchor of career advancement – especially for the younger generations, women, and the vulnerable members of the society. This drive would ensure that no one is left behind in benefiting from endowments of the land of our forebears.
The Master Plan is underpinned by three key thematic aspirations, namely Institutional Reforms, Emolument Adjustments and Performance Management, which are closely aligned with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024 – 2030), and the digitalization of the service in accordance with the provisions of related regulatory instruments and implementation mechanisms. By leveraging digital technologies, we aim to streamline our administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that services reach every citizen, regardless of their location. A robust digital government framework will enable us to deliver services more swiftly and accurately, responding to the needs of our people in real-time.
The broader aim of our public service reform strategy is to galvanize efficiency, optimize resources, and professionalize quality service delivery. Specifically, it seeks to ensure an optimal-sized professional, competent and capable government workforce that is motivated and adequately resourced to deliver superior public services, discharge government functions in an ethical manner, and optimize resource allocation. As the face of the government, perceptions are created, established, and nurtured by the public about the entire government based on the services they receive from the public servants. As such, every government is judged by the attitude, ethos, accountability, and empathy of the public service. Largely, people don’t bother to find the facts, rather they base their judgements on perceptions. This realization has influenced our focus on an intentional scientific consultative approach to reforms, and it guides our tamed optimism towards success.
Alongside the development of the public service reform strategy, we are also developing the public service policy, Act and regulations for the first time, while reviewing the civil service codes, rules and regulations of 2011. The constitutional review process is in its final stage after twenty years of the process. Hopefully, Sierra Leoneans will go to a referendum in 2025 to vote for a new constitution. The recommendations on Sierra Leone’s electoral reforms from the tripartite committee report on the national peace agreement are now with the President for action.
The reforms in our public service are aligned with the objectives of the SDGs. By ensuring efficient service delivery, we are improving education and health outcomes and strengthening Human Capital Development and economic growth. We see the impact of this approach – for instance, Government’s prioritization of improving healthcare delivery over the past five years has resulted in better maternal and child health outcomes, contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint for transforming our continent into a global powerhouse. Sierra Leone’s public service reforms are integral to achieving this vision. Our emphasis on good governance, peace, and development aligns with the goals of Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
While we have made considerable progress, challenges remain. Resource constraints, resistance to change, and the need for continuous capacity building are some of the hurdles we face. However, our commitment to reform is unwavering. We will continue to engage with our international partners, civil society, and the private sector to overcome these challenges and sustain our momentum.
Regional and continental cooperation is crucial in our journey. By sharing best practices and learning from each other’s experiences, African nations can collectively advance good governance and sustainable development. Platforms such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) play a pivotal role in this regard, fostering peer learning and mutual accountability.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone’s public service reforms are paving the way for a future defined by good governance and peace. Our efforts are not just about meeting administrative targets but about creating a system that serves the people and drives sustainable development. As we look towards the Summit of the Future, we are confident that with continued commitment and cooperation, Africa can achieve the SDGs and realize the ambitious vision of Agenda 2063.
Let us continue to work together, guided by the principles of good governance and peace, to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Thank you.
