By: Aminata Sesay
The celebration of Sierra Leone’s first-ever World Public Service Day has been described as a significant milestone in recognizing the vital role of public institutions and civil servants in delivering essential services and advancing national development.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) used the occasion to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of public servants, particularly those involved in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and humanitarian coordination across the country.
Speaking at the event held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, NDMA Director General John Vandi Rogers said the celebration provided an important platform for government institutions to showcase their achievements and enhance public understanding of their mandates and responsibilities.
Rogers noted that many public sector institutions operate behind the scenes but play a critical role in protecting lives, supporting communities, and implementing government policies and programs. “We are pleased to be part of this first-ever Public Service Day celebration in Sierra Leone. It has provided an additional opportunity for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to showcase their work and increase their visibility,” he said.
He emphasized that recognizing the efforts of public servants through initiatives such as World Public Service Day can help promote professionalism, accountability, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
The event, organized by the Public Sector Reform Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs, brought together government officials, development partners, civil servants, and representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Beyond the celebrations, the occasion served as a platform for public institutions to reflect on their contributions to Sierra Leone’s development and to reaffirm their commitment to improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
For the NDMA, the recognition comes at a time when disaster management remains a national priority, with the Agency playing a leading role in coordinating emergency responses, mitigating disaster risks, and strengthening community resilience across the country.
The ceremony also honored outstanding public servants whose dedication and commitment have contributed significantly to national progress. Among those recognized was Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, former Director General of the NDMA.
His recognition was welcomed by colleagues and stakeholders, who commended his leadership in strengthening disaster management systems, enhancing emergency preparedness, and improving institutional capacity during his tenure at the Agency.
The maiden World Public Service Day celebration reflects the Government’s broader commitment to building a public service culture founded on excellence, innovation, integrity, and accountability.
As Sierra Leone continues its development journey, stakeholders maintain that strengthening public institutions and motivating civil servants will remain essential to ensuring effective service delivery, promoting good governance, and improving the lives of citizens nationwide.