By
Chernor M. Jalloh
Lecturer of Governance, Public Policy & Development Studies
IPAM – University of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s public sector stands at a critical juncture, demanding bold and transformative reforms to align with the nation’s development aspirations. At the heart of this transformation is the Big Five Agenda, championed by President Julius Maada Bio, which underscores the necessity of a robust, efficient, and transparent public administration system. Yet, despite ongoing efforts, persistent bureaucratic inefficiencies, politicized appointments, weak human resource management, and inadequate service delivery continue to undermine progress. If left unaddressed, these challenges will significantly hinder the government’s ability to implement sustainable policies and drive national development.
One of the most pressing concerns is the absence of a meritocratic recruitment system. For decades, political influence has overshadowed competence and experience in hiring and promotions, discouraging highly skilled professionals from seeking public service roles. When appointments are dictated by political loyalty rather than expertise, inefficiencies permeate governance, weakening decision-making and service delivery. Breaking this cycle requires a firm commitment to merit-based recruitment, enhanced transparency in civil service appointments, and independent oversight mechanisms. A fully autonomous Public Service Commission could oversee hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions to ensure fair and competitive selection. Furthermore, adopting digital recruitment systems would minimize human interference, promote fairness, and encourage the appointment of qualified professionals to leadership roles in government institutions.
Beyond recruitment, Sierra Leone’s slow pace of digital transformation in public service delivery remains a major impediment to efficiency. While governments worldwide have embraced e-governance to enhance transparency and accessibility, Sierra Leone continues to rely on outdated, paper-based administrative processes prone to corruption and inefficiency. Digitalization can significantly improve government accountability, yet its adoption has been sluggish. To accelerate progress, the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs, in collaboration with the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), must prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building for civil servants, and policy frameworks that promote technology-driven governance. The integration of Artificial Intelligence, cloud-based solutions, and automation in public service operations would streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce corruption, and enhance citizen engagement.
Another critical challenge is the ongoing talent exodus in the public sector. Many skilled professionals are leaving due to low salaries, poor working conditions, and limited career growth opportunities. This brain drain has created a shortage of expertise in key government institutions, further hampering development efforts. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive workforce retention strategy centered on competitive remuneration, career development, and fostering innovation within the civil service. Salary scales must align with those in the private sector, complemented by performance-based incentives, housing allowances, and healthcare benefits. Establishing a Public Sector Leadership Academy to equip civil servants with modern administrative skills, leadership training, and career growth opportunities would make public service a more viable and attractive career path.
Sierra Leone’s public sector cannot be reformed in isolation. A holistic approach that integrates policy reforms, capacity-building, and technology-driven solutions is necessary to create a governance system that effectively serves its citizens. Strengthening accountability through stricter anti-corruption measures and ethical enforcement will be crucial. Investing in human capital through professional training, mentorship programs, and skills enhancement workshops will further enhance efficiency. Public-private partnerships can introduce expertise, funding, and innovation into service delivery, while decentralizing government functions will reduce bottlenecks and empower local governance structures. Encouraging citizen participation will ensure government decisions are inclusive, transparent, and people-centered.
To further this discussion in relation to the Weekly Press Conference scheduled for March 11, 2025, featuring the Honorable Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, the Honorable Deputy Director of Recruitment and Selection, Mrs. Deema Kpalayieh, and the Honorable Director General of the Human Resource Management Office, Ansu Tucker, and to gain deeper insights from key government stakeholders, the following questions must be addressed:
- To Minister Amara Kallon: Given the Big Five Agenda’s emphasis on public sector transformation, what concrete policy measures are being implemented to depoliticize civil service recruitment and ensure a transparent, merit-based hiring process?
- To Director General Ansu Tucker: Bureaucratic inefficiencies often hinder public service delivery. What specific administrative reforms is the HRMO undertaking to streamline processes and improve civil service efficiency?
- To Deputy Director Deema Kpalayieh: Many young professionals perceive the civil service as an unattractive career option due to limited growth opportunities and inadequate salaries. What strategies is the HRMO adopting to enhance talent retention, motivation, and professional development within the public sector?
To conclude, Sierra Leone’s development depends on transforming its public sector into an efficient, transparent, and professional institution. While progress has been made, entrenched inefficiencies must be eliminated to create a governance system that truly serves the people. By tackling the meritocracy deficit, accelerating digital transformation, improving workforce retention, and adopting a holistic reform approach, the country can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future. The time for action is now—only through bold leadership, strategic policy shifts, and inclusive governance can Sierra Leone achieve the public sector transformation it urgently needs.