Freetown: The ball has been set rolling as the government continues its sensitisation process to introduce the much-awaited public service reforms. One of the latest legs to enlighten the public about the reforms was done by the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) Amara Kallon.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Mr. Kallon, who was speaking to students at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), outlined elements of the reform ranging from digital recruitment to training. President Julius Maada Bio had previously highlighted in his manifesto the Big Five Game Changer, one of which is the Revamping of the Public Service Architecture (PSA) aimed at delivering efficiency and professionalism.
The Minister emphasized to the students that the transformation process will commence with the professional aspect, where public servants will be required to attend courses of varying durations at the Civil Service Training College. This institution will be transformed into a Public Service Academy to enhance the professional skills of employees, aligning them with international standards.
On accountability matters, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening checks and balances for all public servants in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and ensuring that all procurement procedures are adhered to appropriately. “Because the issue of accountability is always coming up and it must be prohibited within the public service,” Kallon acknowledged.
Furthermore, he discussed the recruitment processes, stating that soon, all recruitment processes of the government of Sierra Leone will be conducted digitally. Kallon urged the students to familiarize themselves with technology and join the global digital drive.
Additionally, a new Civil Service Codes and Rules has been developed, disclosed the Minister, and there must be compliance to enhance accountability and transparency, thereby providing effective and efficient service delivery in the Public Service. He elaborated on the legal and regulatory management framework, underscoring its role in defining authority, setting binding rules, ensuring compliance, and creating accountability mechanisms.
The public lecture concluded with a question-and-answer session, providing students the opportunity to engage directly with Minister Kallon. The Student Union body of IPAM expressed their appreciation for the lecture and presented a gift to the Minister as a token of gratitude.