COMPETENCY, MERIT AND ONENESS IN PUBLIC SERVICE
By Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray
“The APC has no intention of taking jobs from the SLPP, but to work in oneness and collaborative effort for national development.”
After reflecting for a long time on how former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was able to govern Sierra Leone for a decade while leaving behind a legacy of merit, competency, and best practice in governance, I have come to the conclusion that such a legacy remains one of the best models for nation-building in Sierra Leone.
During his tenure, President Koroma viewed Sierra Leone as one nation that required the contribution of every qualified citizen, regardless of tribe, region, religion, or political affiliation. His philosophy was that public institutions should be strengthened through competence, experience, and professionalism rather than partisan considerations.
Both APC members and individuals from the PMDC and SLPP occupied positions within the executive arm of government. This reflected President Koroma’s belief in inclusiveness and national cohesion.
Looking ahead, the APC remains committed to building the country. The party has no intention of taking jobs from the SLPP or any Sierra Leonean on political grounds. The objective is oneness, collaboration, and a national effort where all qualified citizens, regardless of party, can contribute to moving Sierra Leone forward. That is the spirit of Koroma’s legacy.
Beyond political appointments, he consistently encouraged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to recruit personnel based on qualifications, competence, and experience. This approach did not always sit well with some young APC members who felt overlooked despite possessing the required qualifications. Nevertheless, President Koroma remained committed to the principle that national development required the best available talent.
PERSONAL OBSERVATION
“Between 2011 and 2015, I served as a member of the Moyamba District Budget Oversight Committee. I saw first-hand how competence was prioritized above party lines.”
– Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray
I can speak on this matter from personal observation. Some of these individuals entered public service through recommendations made by former members of the SLPP and PMDC who later joined the APC. This demonstrates that President Koroma’s vision extended beyond party lines. His objective was national unity and the development of a capable public service that would serve Sierra Leone irrespective of changes in political leadership.
The question many are asking today is whether a future APC government can uphold this legacy. My answer is yes. The competency-based approach promoted by President Koroma represents an important investment in human capital development. It reduces unnecessary turnover, preserves institutional memory, and strengthens public sector performance.
APC’S COMMITMENT TO ONENESS
1. No Political Retribution: Jobs will not be taken from SLPP members because of party affiliation.
2. Collaborative Governance: All qualified Sierra Leoneans invited to serve the nation.
3. Merit & Capacity: Public service driven by competence, fairness, and equal opportunity.
4. Nation First: Building Sierra Leone together, above party lines.
His vision was anchored on building a strong national workforce through effective manpower planning and strategic succession planning. Sustainable national development cannot be built on political exclusion. It must be founded on competence, fairness, and equal opportunity.
Such a legacy should not merely be preserved; it should be strengthened and refined to meet the demands of modern governance. That, in my view, is one of the most enduring legacies of President Ernest Bai Koroma: the belief that Sierra Leone belongs to all of us and that the nation’s progress depends on placing competent people in positions where they can contribute to national development, in a spirit of oneness.
