By Kadiatu Bash Kamara
The Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon. Amara Kallon, says government is taking steps to strengthen Sierra Leone’s public service through institutional reforms, continuous training, improved coordination and better welfare for public servants.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press conference at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, on Tuesday, 5th August 2026, Minister Kallon said public servants play a critical role in the delivery of essential services, including healthcare, education, engineering, security and administration.
He stressed the need to recognize and celebrate public servants whose daily work contributes to the functioning of government institutions.
The Minister explained that proposed reforms are aimed at clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different actors within the public service, from junior staff to Permanent Secretaries and Ministers, while also improving reporting and coordination between ministries, departments, agencies and commissions.
According to him, the Public Service Commission is expected to play a stronger coordinating role under the proposed Public Service Bill and Act, ensuring that government institutions work more effectively and in a coordinated manner.
“We need to recognize and celebrate public servants because everything that government does depends on the work they provide to our institutions and citizens.”
Minister Kallon also highlighted plans to strengthen the Public Service Academy as an institution for continuous professional development. He said public servants need regular training to keep pace with rapid technological and institutional changes.
He noted that with technology evolving quickly, including developments in artificial intelligence, continuous capacity building has become essential to ensure that public servants remain competent and effective in their respective fields.
Beyond training and institutional reforms, the Minister said government is also exploring innovative ways of improving the welfare of public servants, particularly in the areas of housing.
He disclosed plans to explore partnerships and financing arrangements that could make affordable housing available to public servants, with options based on their salaries and ability to contribute through deductions at source.
“If we want people to work effectively and deliver, we must also create the conditions that enable them to perform their duties well.”
Minister Kallon said improving the working and living conditions of public servants is essential to achieving better performance and accountability.
He emphasized that while government must establish laws and standards to ensure public servants perform their duties effectively, it must also create favourable conditions that enable them to work efficiently.
The Minister said the ongoing public service reform process will involve consultations across sectors and institutions to ensure that the views and contributions of stakeholders are incorporated into the final reform framework.
The reforms, he said, are ultimately intended to build a more coordinated, professional and responsive public service capable of delivering quality services to citizens.
