By Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
President Julius Maada Bio has made a fervent appeal to his cabinet ministers and their deputies to maintain their focus and dedication towards fulfilling the promises made during the 2023 general elections. Speaking at a Ministerial Retreat held at the Galiness Hotel along the Bo-Kenema Highway, President Bio emphasized the urgency of prompt action and robust collaboration in government operations.
In his address, President Bio stressed the importance of ministers attending to tasks without delay, advising that no task should remain unattended on their desks for more than an hour. He highlighted the necessity for seamless collaboration across all levels of government.
“Collaboration should be both horizontal and vertical at all times,” President Bio asserted. “You don’t have to be friends, but you can consult each other when the need arises.”
He underscored the ministers’ responsibility to the citizens of Sierra Leone, urging them to work diligently to improve the lives of all Sierra Leoneans.
“We are here to recalibrate and set our own targets aimed at delivering on our campaign promises. We were called to serve, and therefore, we are servants,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the high public expectations, President Bio called for a unified approach to governance to meet these demands effectively. He expressed concern over some team members working in isolation, which he noted hinders overall team performance and service delivery.
“We have to let the people know what we are doing. If you don’t create your own version of the story, others will tell it in a very wrong way,” he said, urging the use of modern communication platforms to keep the public informed.
President Bio also highlighted the importance of addressing global economic challenges and maintaining a social contract with the citizens of Sierra Leone through teamwork and best practices.
“No Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) can work alone; we should always collaborate,” he asserted.
Supporting President Bio’s remarks, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh noted that holding the Ministerial Retreat in Bo was a strategic move to bring the executive government closer to the people.
“We will also hold our usual cabinet meeting here in Bo City on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. This is a new development as we will take critical government decisions in Bo,” Dr. Sengeh announced.
John Sumaila, Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, reflected on the significance of these retreats since 2018. He emphasized that the Bo City engagement would strengthen their resolve and enhance service delivery.
“There is a need for teamwork between ministers and their deputies,” Sumaila noted. “There is also a need to establish an effective service delivery system to enhance productivity and performance.”
The retreat marks a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone’s government as it seeks to fulfill its commitments and improve the lives of its citizens through dedicated and coordinated efforts.
