By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has launched its first Performance Tracking Table (PTT) meeting for 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening the implementation of ministerial performance contracts. The meeting, held at the MoPED Conference Hall, brought together key government officials, including members of the newly formed Performance Management Committee (PMC), representatives from the Office of the Chief Minister, and various ministry officials.
At the heart of the discussions was the need for improved accountability and efficiency in delivering government commitments under the Ministerial Performance Contract. This contract, signed between ministers and His Excellency the President, outlines sectorial targets and serves as a benchmark for evaluating ministerial performance. MoPED, through its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Directorate, is responsible for ensuring these commitments translate into tangible results.
Delivering the opening remarks, Development Secretary One, Mr. Usman C. Conteh, emphasised the critical role of the PTT process in ensuring that ministries meet their obligations. He noted that consistent engagement, data-driven tracking, and accountability mechanisms were vital for improving service delivery across government institutions.
Dr. Abdulram Sowa, Director of Performance Contract and Service Delivery at the Office of the Chief Minister, facilitated the session, offering insights into how the PTT can enhance government efficiency. With over 20 years of experience in public sector performance management, Dr. Sowa highlighted that the PTT framework serves as a tool for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and reinforcing ministerial accountability.
“The Performance Contract is not just a document; it is a commitment to service delivery, and every ministry must take ownership of its implementation,” Dr. Sowa stated, calling for a more proactive approach to performance tracking.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the introduction of the Performance Management Committee (PMC), a body tasked with overseeing ministerial performance tracking. Mrs. Isatu Konneh from MoPED’s M&E Department provided details on the committee’s structure and responsibilities. She explained that the PMC would include members from the Internal Audit Unit, the Human Resources Unit, and senior officials from key directorates.
According to Mrs. Konneh, the PTT process will adopt a more evidence-based approach in 2025, ensuring that performance assessments are linked to measurable indicators. She stressed the importance of capacity-building initiatives for PMC members, enabling them to effectively monitor policy implementation and assess performance at both the project and institutional levels.
MoPED Minister Kenyeh Barlay took a firm stance on the importance of timely performance tracking, expressing concerns over past delays in submitting assessment reports. She proposed that instead of waiting for end-of-year evaluations, ministries should adopt monthly tracking mechanisms to enhance accountability.
“We cannot afford to let inefficiencies undermine our national development goals,” Minister Barlay stated. “Every ministry must commit to timely reporting and ensure that achievements are properly documented.”
She also pointed out discrepancies in past performance evaluations, noting that while sectoral improvements had been made, they were not always reflected in assessment reports. The minister called for a fair and transparent performance rating system, ensuring that MoPED’s contributions to national development are fully acknowledged.
Additionally, she urged officials to familiarise themselves with the Ministerial Performance Contract and take an active role in achieving the outlined targets. She emphasised that MoPED should strive for higher performance rankings in 2025, reinforcing its role in national governance.
As part of the PTT discussions, Mr. Fenty Bangura, Assistant Director at MoPED’s M&E Directorate, outlined the key performance indicators for 2025. These indicators will focus on:
Policy, Strategy, and Legislation: Ensuring that government policies are effectively implemented and aligned with the National Development Plan.
Administrative and Management Efficiency: Strengthening governance processes, promoting institutional reforms, and enhancing service delivery.
Financial Stewardship and Accountability: Preventing mismanagement of resources and reinforcing anti-corruption measures.
Eradication of Corruption: Establishing strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with financial regulations and ethical standards.
Dr. Sowa further emphasised the importance of professional conduct, teamwork, and self-monitoring within ministries. He urged officials to adopt a solution-driven mindset and actively participate in discussions aimed at improving service delivery.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from MoPED officials to strengthen the performance tracking framework in 2025. Mr. Usman C. Conteh reiterated the need for a balanced system that includes both incentives and sanctions to drive accountability.
“This process is about ensuring that government institutions deliver on their promises,” he stated. “By working together, we can enhance performance outcomes and make a meaningful impact on national development.”
With stronger oversight mechanisms, clearer accountability structures, and an emphasis on teamwork, MoPED aims to set a new standard in performance contract implementation. The ministry remains committed to driving efficiency, improving governance, and ensuring that public sector performance contributes to Sierra Leone’s long-term development goals.