The Honourable Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA), Amara Kallon, has unveiled the “Strategic Roadmap for Public Service Reforms” at the Foreign Service Academy, Tower Hill, Freetown. The document outlines key thematic areas to establish a more effective, results-oriented public service architecture for Sierra Leone.
The event brought together stakeholders from government ministries, international partners, civil society organisations, the media, and other concerned institutions, marking a significant step in the government’s reform agenda.
Highlighting the document’s importance, Minister Amara Kallon emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to public service transformation, a core priority of President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Administration. This reform agenda aligns with Pillar 5 of the Big 5 Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2024-2030, focusing on governance and public sector efficiency.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s past, Minister Kallon noted that MoPAPA, previously the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs (MPPA), was often regarded as politically irrelevant. Under President Bio’s leadership, the Ministry has been repositioned as a central institution mandated to overhaul Sierra Leone’s public service. “Sierra Leone is the only country in Africa with a dedicated Ministry of Public Administration tasked with implementing critical reforms for the public sector,” Minister Kallon noted.
He praised the dedication of MoPAPA staff and extended appreciation to international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, for their support in Sierra Leone’s development efforts. The Minister also outlined MoPAPA’s coordinating role in resource mobilisation and implementation, working in collaboration with institutions such as the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), Public Service Commission (PSC), and Human Resources Management Office (HRMO).
Minister Kallon further addressed challenges that have hindered the development of Sierra Leone’s public service over the years. These include the legacy of prolonged one-party governance, the decade-long civil war, and frequent regime changes, all of which have negatively impacted public administration.
The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, the UN Resident Coordinator, and the World Bank Country Manager delivered key statements emphasising the roadmap’s relevance to national development.
The Director of the PSRU provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation, outlining the core elements of the roadmap. The launch concluded with a joint unveiling of the document by Minister Kallon and a representative from the Office of the Vice President.
Musa Kamara
SLENA Correspondent
+232 78 155260
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