Government to Transform Civil Service Training College into Public Service Academy

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) have commenced formal steps to transform the Civil Service Training College (CSTC) into a fully-fledged Public Service Academy. The initiative is part of Sierra Leone’s broader public service reform agenda.

The high-level meeting, chaired by MTHE Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, brought together senior officials from both ministries, technical experts, and representatives from the African Institute of Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), which is providing technical support.

Officials emphasized that the new academy will offer continuous training and upskilling for both new entrants and serving public officers. Dr. Josephus Brimah, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer at MTHE, stressed that the institution should focus on practical skills, accreditation, and alignment with the National Qualifications Framework.

Rebecca Saffa, Director of Human Resource at MTHE, highlighted the need for sustainable financing and digital learning platforms to expand access, while Fatmata Kaiwa, Director of Science Education, urged careful integration of specialized training to avoid duplication with existing institutions.

Momoh Conteh, Director of Public Administration at MoPAPA, explained that the academy will replace CSTC with an expanded mandate, and that land has already been identified at Six Mile to host the facility. He added that completion of academy courses is expected to become a requirement for career progression in the public service, drawing lessons from successful models in Kenya.

Bakary Dosso and Mamadou Cisse from IDEP stressed the importance of careful planning, accreditation, digital transformation, and domestic financing to ensure the academy’s long-term sustainability.

Both ministries concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and consultation, aiming to build a modern, professional, and efficient public service in Sierra Leone.

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