By Tamba Steven Komba

In a bold step towards revitalizing Sierra Leone’s public service architecture, the Public Sector Reform Unit has convened a symposium at Central University under the theme “Sierra Leone at 63: Revamping the Public Service Architecture.” Distinguished speakers, including Presidential Adviser on Governance, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service John Sumailah, and Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs Amara Kallon, highlighted critical challenges and proposed transformative measures.

Speaking at the symposium, the Presidential Adviser on Governance, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, emphasized the importance of citizen-centric governance, stressing the need for the public sector to prioritize the delivery of public goods. Dr. Gaima underlined the urgency of uplifting Sierra Leone’s public service to meet the growing needs of its citizens. “Through this symposium, we have been able to open the eyes and get the attention of the students to the value of public sector reform,” he said.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s historical legacy, Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service John Sumailah lamented the decline of the once-prestigious civil service, which once received international recognition for its excellence. Sumailah expressed optimism about potential reforms to revive the sector, citing a review of legislative frameworks and an upgrade of the civil service training college to train civil servants.

Addressing pressing challenges such as technology integration, gender equality, and harnessing the potential of the youthful population, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, emphasized the need for innovative solutions to steer these complex issues and drive sustainable development in the public sector.

The Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, stressed the vital role of youth engagement in ensuring transformative change within Sierra Leone’s public sector.

The symposium served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, strategies, and commitments towards rebranding Sierra Leone’s public service. It stresses the collective determination to overcome challenges and build a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive governance framework.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 6TH, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)