By Richard Williams, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education
In a bid to promote financial empowerment and economic stability among civil service workers, the Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union (CIVSCCU) Secretariat on Wednesday engaged staff of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) to discuss the establishment of a dedicated credit union for Sierra Leone’s civil servants.
The strategic meeting, held at the ministry’s New England Ville office, forms part of ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable, member-driven financial institution designed to serve the specific needs of government employees. Once operational, the union is expected to offer cooperative savings and credit facilities aimed at boosting financial inclusion and long-term economic resilience within the civil service.
Discussions during the engagement focused on fast-tracking the institutional framework, defining operational guidelines, and aligning the union’s objectives with public sector welfare priorities.
Mr. David Abu, Senior Planning Officer at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Head of the CIVSCCU Secretariat, led the engagement. He emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in laying a strong foundation for the credit union, adding that the initiative represents a key step toward improving the financial independence of civil servants.
Also present was Ms. Rebecca Saffa, Director of Human Resources at MTHE, who highlighted the importance of aligning the union’s financial services with employee welfare and development goals. She stressed that the union must be responsive to the realities faced by public workers, particularly regarding access to affordable credit and opportunities for savings.
The proposed CIVSCCU will operate as a cooperative financial institution, providing tailored services such as low-interest loans, accessible savings schemes, and support for financial planning and literacy. It is expected to serve as a critical support mechanism for civil servants nationwide.
The initiative underscores government’s commitment to building a more resilient and financially empowered public service through inclusive and sustainable economic strategies.
