PSC Chairman Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Revamp the Public Service Architecture
Freetown, Sierra Leone – 24th September, 2025: The Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Kalilu Omoru Bah (K.O.Bah) has reaffirmed government’s commitment to revamp the Public Service Architecture of Sierra Leone, through the development of the first-ever Public Service Act, describing it as “the foundation on which all ongoing reforms will be anchored.”
Mr. K.O. Bah was addressing the Public Service Policy Technical Working Group (TWG) on 23rd September, 2025 at the PSC Conference Room. The meeting was conveyed following a recommendation by the Cabinet Combined Standing Committee that the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon. Amara Kallon should liaise with the Honourable Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh to arrange a meeting with the TWG on the revamping of the Public Service Architecture; with the objective to improve/update the Public Service Policy Memorandum, taking into account all relevant comments, including the Foreign Service, Local Government/Councils, Universities, Commissions, Agencies among others, to ensure the document effectively serve its purpose in the context of Public Service Reform; with a view to re-submitting an updated Cabinet Paper and all relevant documents to the Cabinet Secretariat for onward submission to the subsequent Cabinet Meeting.
It could be recalled that the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs on 10th September, 2025 presented the Public Service Policy Memorandum to the Cabinet Sub-Committee for consideration and approval.
The Chairman said the new framework will “seal off doubts about Public Service delivery”, and reposition the PSC to effectively fulfill its Constitutional mandate of oversight and coordination of Human Resource (HR) function in the Sector. By the provisions of Section 152 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No.6 of 1991), the PSC is empowered “…to appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the public service (including power to make appointments on promotion and to confirm appointments) and to dismiss and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices…”.
He assured the TWG Members that the first-ever Public Service Act will be designed to serve as the “parent Act” guiding all reform packages relating to HR Management issues across the Public Service. “The thrust of this Act is just for the PSC to play a meaningful role in the overall revamping of the Public Service. We will safely describe this Act as a broad-spectrum antibiotic that will address all concerns.” Mr. K.O. Bah explained
Mr. K.O. Bah noted that “it is no secret that so many other players have emerged in the Sector over the period, engaging themselves in recruitment and HR Management issues, and that PSC recognizes the roles played by these institutions, but there is a need for an overarching institution to provide oversight and coordination so that we all speak the same in terms of quality service.”
The Chairman recalled that as far back as 2014 when Executive Clearance was granted to the PSC for this policy initiative, discussions on restructuring the Public Service had gained national attention, but momentum slowed until the process was revived by the PSC with significant support from the European Union (EU). According to him, this led to nationwide consultations with Civil/Public Servants, and other key stakeholders.
He urged members of the Technical Working Group to make frank contributions during the discussions, stressing that their role is to enrich the process with diverse perspectives from their respective institutions.
Chairing the meeting, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mohamed Jusu revealed
that the draft Policy had already been reviewed by the Cabinet Sub Committee, chaired by the Hon. Vice President. Also in attendance were Chief Minister and other government Ministers.
He furthered that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed concern that the draft policy made no reference to the Foreign Service, stressing the need for its inclusion, whilst the Minister of Technical and Higher Education noted that universities, governed by their own Act, are also part of the public service and should be clearly referenced in the policy framework. Mr. Jusu added that Minister of Local Government and Community Development also raised issues regarding the HR Management of Local Councils.
According to Mr. Jusu, the discussions are meant to ensure inclusivity and enriching the final policy document. He added that technical presentations are expected from the relevant Ministries to properly articulate their concerns.
The TWG meeting was attended by Senior Management from the Public Service Commission (PSC), Office of the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MOPAPA), Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), Law Reform Commission (LRC), and Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE). The members made meaningful contributions which further strengthen the Policy.
The would-be Public Service Act, once enacted, is expected to transform governance structures, strengthen accountability, and improve Public Service delivery across the country.
By: Amadu Femoh Sesay
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