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The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has convened a nationwide virtual meeting with her ministry’s staff to set the agenda for the upcoming Ministerial Retreat.
The retreat is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 5th to Saturday, 7th February 2026. The engagement, which brought together personnel from headquarters, regional, and district offices across Sierra Leone, focused on reviewing annual progress and rallying staff toward greater professionalism and service delivery.
Addressing the Ministry as a “unified family,” Minister Kaminty underscored the critical role of social welfare in national stability. She highlighted key interventions, including combatting drug abuse, human trafficking, and supporting vulnerable households, as fundamental to national wellbeing.
“A positive shift in public perception is underway due to your growing visibility and impact,” the Minister stated, crediting staff for communities increasingly seeking the Ministry’s solutions to social issues.
A central topic was the new Professional Social Workers Regulatory Act and licensing regime, designed to elevate the profession’s standards and public trust. The Minister urged every staff member to take personal responsibility for their performance and growth, emphasising core values of integrity, diligence, and commitment. The minister, however, cautioned that lateness, negligence, and excuses undermine both staff credibility and their image.
The minister informed that the forthcoming Ministerial Retreat will centre on performance reviews, work planning, and setting measurable targets for the year.
To motivate excellence, the Ministry will launch a Staff Awards Scheme in 2026, recognising outstanding performance across various categories, including Staff, Driver, and Office Assistant of the Year.
Reaffirming her open-door policy, Minister Kaminty also stressed proper reporting channels and pledged continued support for social workers in police stations and communities nationwide.
She concluded by declaring 2026 a “Year of Action” for the Ministry, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s national agenda, and called for unity, accountability, and unwavering professionalism in public service.
