The Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) has commenced a three-day validation exercise for a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at revitalizing the public sector in Sierra Leone. From October 24th to 26th, 2024, key stakeholders in the public sector gathered at the New Brookfields Hotel to review and endorse the strategy designed to overhaul the nation’s public service architecture.
During the opening session, Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, highlighted the strategic importance of the plan, noting that it is designed to modernize administrative functions while ensuring the public service plays a pivotal role in national development.
Minister Kallon outlined several key objectives of the plan, starting with institutional reforms, which aim to restructure and strengthen public institutions, enhance coordination, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and boost productivity. The plan also involves reviewing organizational structures, policies, and mandates to ensure alignment with national development goals.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the overhaul of the human resource management system as a major focus of the strategy, with a strong emphasis on meritocracy, capacity building, and continuous professional development. Recognizing the rapid advancement of technology, the Minister said that the plan calls for the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) to streamline operations, improve data management, and foster greater accountability.
“By embracing technology, we can ensure that our services are more accessible, transparent, and efficient,” Minister Kallon stated.
The Minister also outlined other critical objectives of the Master Plan, including the decentralization of service delivery, empowering local governments to bring essential services closer to the people, mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability such as monitoring and evaluation systems, to ensure civil servants are held accountable and the public service remains responsive to citizens’ needs.
“Together, we are paving the way for a public service that not only meets international standards but is also tailored to the needs of our people,” Minister Kallon remarked. “The validation process we are engaged in today is a critical milestone. It signifies that we are on the right path, but it also reminds us that much work lies ahead. Let’s ensure this Master Plan becomes the driving force behind a new era of governance and service delivery in our beloved nation,” he concluded.
Once the Master Plan is validated, the Ministry and its partners plan to move swiftly into the implementation phase, ensuring that the necessary resources, expertise, and leadership are in place to bring the plan to fruition.
