By Austine LuseniAugust, 2026– The Honourable Cyril Arnold Grant, Minister of Energy, today announced the permanent absorption of half of the contract staff of Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The declaration in the Ministry’s conference room in Freetown is in fulfilment of the Minister’s promise when he assumed office to protect and reward those who have kept the country’s power distribution system running under often precarious working conditions.
The move to permanent status is for all staff in all departments and regions of EDSA, from field technical crews and distribution teams to customer service and administrative staff. Minister Grant said the move was recognition of the long-term commitment of the employees and their critical role in national development. “Energy is the bedrock of His Excellency President Bio’s service delivery philosophy,” he said. “Without electricity, there is no progress. And there would be no electricity without you. That’s why I made this promise and I’m here today to keep it.”
Officials said the decision was driven by a desire to improve institutional capacity, stabilise the workforce and improve service delivery to electricity customers across the country. The Ministry anticipates that the decreased use of short-term contracts for core operational roles will lead to greater productivity, less staff turnover, and a more motivated workforce that can focus on long-term planning and consistent service delivery.
The news was met with an emotional response from the staff. Denis Ivan Johnson of the Distribution, Technical and Service Department thanked the Minister and the Government on behalf of his colleagues for the recognition. Mr Johnson said, “We’ve been serving this institution for a long time. Today, we feel seen and appreciated, and we promise to pay it back with even more commitment.” Staff felt a sense of relief that the years of uncertainty for many families had been resolved and a renewed sense of optimism about career stability and morale.
The Ministry described the absorption as part of a broader set of reforms in the energy sector under the Feed Salone agenda, which is aimed at building strong institutions and providing reliable services to citizens. Officials said the shift to permanent jobs for a significant portion of the workforce will be accompanied by efforts to upgrade infrastructure, improve customer relations and ensure the long-term viability of electricity distribution.
Minister Grant told those who had just been confirmed as permanent staff to see the occasion as both a reward and an obligation. He called for greater diligence and professionalism, and for a renewed commitment to serving the people of Sierra Leone. The action was portrayed not only as a personnel reform but also as a sign of the government’s commitment to dignity, stability and respect for the workers who keep essential services going.
The Ministry will closely monitor the sectoral reforms being implemented, to assess the impact of the formalisation of 50% of the contract workforce at EDSA on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and the overall resilience of the electricity network.
