Public Sector Reform Unit

Public Sector Reform Unit Engages Parliament on the Establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission

The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), a subvented department in the Cabinet Secretariat engaged Parliamentarians of the Legislative, Finance and Female caucus Committees on the establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC). The overarching objective of the session was to record views, concerns and expectations of the Honourable Members of Parliament, to contribute in addressing the growing concerns of inequities in the Public /Civil Service salary structures, which have over the years affected productivity and effective service delivery.

The session was held on the 10th April 2019, at Parliament Building,Tower Hill,Freetown. It was jointly chaired by Hon. Hassan A Sesay and Hon Abdal Timbo. Both chairperson’s thanked the PSRU for the initiative to engage Parliamentarians and urged the Hon. Members of Parliament to ask relevant questions and seek clarification regarding the establishment of the Commission.
Mrs Georgiana Kamara, Director, Public Sector Reform Unit, in expounding on the purpose of the session, said, the Commission is intended to ensure that Public Sector pay and incentive system is not only to attract and retain requisite skills, and should be applied in a consistent and sustainable manner, so that the Public Sector Pay fairly reflects the work that the Public/ Civil Servant performs.

The work shop was heightened by the presentation of an inception report on the Establishment of Wages and Compensation Commission by the international Consultant, Mr George Smith-Graham.

In his presentation,he explained the importance of the Commission which,according to him, is to address disparities and inequities to the incongruences in pay and remuneration in the Public and Civil Service as articulated in the 2019 budget and financial statement of the Government of Sierra Leone.

The Hon. Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Ambassador Foday Yumkellah, after the presentation by the consultant, said, Honourable Members of parliament should be mindful and be obliged to make meaningful contributions to the establishment of the Commission.

The presentations were followed by a lengthy question and answer session during which Honourable Members of Parliament sought clarifications on various concerns including: the need to repeal existing laws with provisions that empower some institutions to set their own salaries, consideration of Paramount Chiefs and local council staff in retirement benefits and improving conditions of service and the need to reduce Government' expenditure on salaries.

Hon. Members emphasised on the timeliness of such initiative by the Government and hope to deliberate extensively when the bill is tabled in Parliament.

Haroun Sheriff
Senior Programme Analyst- Communications
Public Sector Reform Unit
8 Wesley Street

Following the terrible mudslide and flooding on 14th August 2017, the Director and staff of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Office of the President, would like to express their Sincere condolences to the families, including members of our staff, grieving the immeasurable loss suffered during this sorrowful time. May God comfort and Guide them.

May the souls of the departed Rest in Perfect Peace.