By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, Daily Scope
During an official visit to the United Kingdom, S/L’s Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Mr. Amara Kallon, met with Ms. Kate Foster OBE, Director for Africa at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The meeting aimed to deepen cooperation on public service reforms and explore avenues for technical and human resource support.
Ms. Foster, a seasoned British diplomat and former Ambassador to Somalia, oversees FCDO policy and engagement in West Africa, the Sahel, Sudan, and South Sudan. The discussions focused on advancing S/L’s Public Service Transformation Roadmap, with an emphasis on sharing experiences and strengthening strategic partnerships.
The S/L delegation, introduced by Mr. Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, included key officials such as Mr. Prince E. O. Cole, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, and Mr. Kalilu O. Bah, Chairman of the Public Service Commission. Mr. Phoray-Musa highlighted the importance of strong partnerships for the civil service’s progress, stating, “The S/L Civil Service knows where it has come from and where it wants to go—but to get there, it needs strong strategic partnerships.”
Minister Kallon acknowledged the historical ties between S/L and the UK, noting that the governance model in S/L is built on British principles. He pointed out the significance of the meeting as S/L works to revamp its public service, referencing findings from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). These findings identified weak civil service delivery as a fundamental cause of socio-economic and political instability across the continent, including in S/L.
“After a series of coups and fragmented reforms, our civil service became deeply politicized and disconnected from national priorities,” Minister Kallon explained. In response, President Bio’s administration established a dedicated ministry for public service reform, which is a key pillar of the National Development Agenda.
The Minister highlighted achievements such as the development of a Strategic Roadmap and the introduction of Civil Service and Ministerial Codes of Conduct aimed at enhancing professionalism and accountability.
In her remarks, Ms. Foster expressed admiration for S/L’s progress and reiterated the UK’s commitment as a “long-term partner.” “I love S/L dearly,” she said, recalling her visits to the country. She commended President Bio’s leadership, particularly his advocacy for Africa’s representation on the UN Security Council and the shared challenges both nations face in building a strong and impartial civil service.
Ms. Foster assured the S/L delegation of Britain’s readiness to support their Roadmap through technical assistance and human resource development. The meeting also featured Ms. Denise Smart, Director of the UK Civil Service College, underscoring the visit’s focus on capacity building and institutional excellence.
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