Statement by H.E. the President,
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma
On the occasion of the Official Launching
Of the New Public Sector Reform Programme
Tuesday 28 July 2009

SALUTATIONS

I am particularly delighted to be here this morning to officially launch the new Public Sector
Reform Programme. As I do so, let me from the outset congratulate the Director, Public Sector Reform Unit and his team for providing the leadership that has enabled us to develop this Government owned and Government-led Public Sector Reform Programme. 

I also wish to thank our Development Partners, notably, the United Kingdom Department for International
Development (DFID), the European Commission (EC), the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank for the time, resources and expertise they invested
into the design and development of the new Programme. We recognize their interest and
appreciate their assistance in this endeavour. As I have always maintained, Sierra Leone
needs a strong, effective and productive Public Service and my Government will continue to
support and provide leadership in this direction. 

Mr. Chairman. 
Those of us who are involved with the management of the Public Service in Sierra Leone are often
painfully aware of a once well functioning Civil Service that has degenerated from the highest level
of efficiency to the dismal state we find ourselves today.  By action, inaction or omission, we have
all presided over the decline of what used to be an efficient public service to a level where basic
services are now only grudgingly provided, and in some cases, not provided at all. 

Against this background, one of my first priorities has been, and will continue to be, the resuscitation
of our Public Service. As we are all well aware, most state activities revolve around and within the
Public Service. We therefore have an obligation to strengthen the capacity of our institutions and
workforce, so that Sierra Leoneans of all walks of life would once again benefit from good quality
and timely services. 

This was the main purpose for embarking on the transformation of the then Governance Reform
Secretariat into the Public Sector Reform Unit, with direct oversight responsibility exercised by me, as
Minister for the Public Service.  This arrangement enables me to receive regular updates on reform
initiatives from the Director, Public Sector Reform Unit, which demonstrates how reforming the Public
Sector is close to my heart.  My Government will continue to provide the necessary political will and
direction to the Unit for the effective implementation of the various reform initiatives.

Mr. Chairman, Hon. Vice President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.  Let me reiterate that the new
Public Sector Reform Programme has been developed out of genuine commitment by my Government to
the provision of services of which our people have been deprived over the years. 
We consider the creation of a performance-oriented Public Service as central to Good Governance. 

We therefore need to act quickly and decisively.  We have to rationalize our workforce; to review the
recruitment process; to build strong and functioning management structures and to attract and retain
a competent workforce.  We need to build a transparent and accountable public service with the highest
standards of professionalism.  We deserve a public service that has value for money and that values
customers.  This is what the new Public Sector Reform Programme is set to achieve.

The programme places considerable demands on public servants.  It requires a dramatic shift in their
focus and work habits. It requires public servants to respect and respond to their clients, the citizens
of Sierra Leone. It requires adopting meticulous work habits of promptness; adherence particularly to
financial, audit and procurement regulations.  Make no mistake; the old days of lethargy are over. 
Henceforth, public servants will be periodically appraised and rewards will be linked to performance. 
Retirement regulations will be enforced, and those who do not add value to the service will be retrenched. 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and gentlemen, my Government will supervise and pursue the initiatives of the
New Public Sector Reform Programme resolutely.  We will provide the support and political will to
accomplish the objectives we have set for ourselves.  We expect no less from public sector functionaries. 

This is a national call, and requires our concerted efforts and commitment.  It requires not only public sector
functionaries, but also the skills, resources, cooperation and participation of the private and other non-state
actors.  Mr. Chairman, Hon. Vice President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; having said that, it is now
with delight that I formally launch the new Public Sector Reform Programme, and to wish us all well.

I thank you for your attention