By Hassan Osman Kargbo
During the recent weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of Energy along Percival Street, Hon. Philip Tetema Tondoneh, Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, addressed the public about the significance of the newly established Public Sector Master Plan.
According to him, this initiative aligns with the Big 5/Game Changers declarations of President Bio, particularly focusing on Pillar 5, which emphasizes the urgent need for transformation within the public service framework.
Deputy Minister Tondoneh explained that the formation of the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) is a direct result of the objectives outlined in Pillar 5 of the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) spanning 2024 to 2030.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the development of the master plan, noting the partnership with the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO), the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), and the Cabinet Secretariat, among others. “This strategic master plan was designed with inclusivity and accountability in mind,” Tondoneh stated, attributing support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for enlisting an international consultant to help refine the plan.
The recent validation of the master plan featured participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the Sierra Leone Police, Correctional Services, civil society, retired permanent secretaries, and the international community. This wide-ranging collaboration was essential to ensure that the master plan meets the diverse needs of Sierra Leone’s public sector.
Deputy Minister Tondoneh outlined eight key pillars of the master plan, which include structural alignments and rationalization of public service mandates, human resources management, e-governance, pay and incentives, communication and citizen engagement, and effective public sector coordination and management. He emphasized that the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective service delivery within the public sector.
Moreover, Tondoneh underscored the importance of gender and social inclusion, identifying it as a critical pillar that underpins the entire master plan. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all segments of the population are incorporated into the public sector reforms.
By shedding light on the Public Sector Master Plan, Deputy Minister Tondoneh aims to foster greater public awareness and engagement regarding efforts to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of Sierra Leone’s public service.
