Raman Tom Farmar, a distinguished figure in Sierra Leone’s local government sector, has assumed the role of Chief Administrator. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in the city’s administrative landscape, with high hopes for positive change and enhanced service delivery.

The Local Government Service Commission, responsible for overseeing the regulatory and management functions in Sierra Leone’s decentralized government system, initiated the transfer of Raman Tom Farmar to the FCC on October 27, 2023. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of local government services in the region.

Farmar’s impressive track record in local government, spanning back to 2007, has earned him a reputation as a respected and effective administrator. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to driving progress and making a positive impact on the communities he has served.

Prior to his new role at the FCC, Farmar distinguished himself as the Chief Administrator of the Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC) in Waterloo. Under his leadership, the district witnessed remarkable developmental projects that greatly benefitted its residents.

One standout achievement was the establishment of fifteen new factories at the SIZ-Koya Industrial Zone, marking the inception of Sierra Leone’s first-ever Industrial Zone under the management of ARISE IIP. Additionally, Farmar’s tenure saw the acquisition of seven new trains for passenger service across the country, significantly improving transportation services.

His impact extended to job creation, with over 1000 skilled and non-skilled Sierra Leonean workers finding employment opportunities under his leadership.

Farmar’s ability to secure donor projects and implement initiatives for the betterment of the districts he managed is another remarkable quality. Notably, he successfully secured an EU project for councils in Bonthe, Port Loko, and the Western Area Rural District Councils, reflecting his adeptness at garnering support from donor partners.

Financial acumen is another area of expertise for Farmar. During his time at WARDC, he introduced a revenue generation strategy that resulted in over a 100 percent increase in revenue from property rates, taxes, market dues, and other sources within a six-month period in 2020, contributing to the council’s financial stability.

Farmar’s contributions extended to addressing environmental challenges. Before his tenure, the district had grappled with sanitation and waste management issues. However, he took decisive actions to secure support from the central government, providing essential waste management equipment and vehicles, resulting in a significant improvement in sanitation across various areas in the district.

Moreover, Farmar prioritized human resource management and team-building, addressing staff morale issues at WARDC and restoring a sense of professional purpose among local government employees.

His dedication to service and his ability to bring about positive change in local government are evident throughout his 16-year career. Farmar’s leadership in building effective administrative teams has been a key factor in his success.

With an extensive educational background, including a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Financial Services, a Master in Business Administration (MBA), a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Supply Chain Management, and a Master of Science in Leadership and Governance, Raman Tom Farmar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

With Farmar at the helm of FCC, residents of Freetown can anticipate notable improvements in service delivery and governance. His appointment signifies a commitment to excellence in local government and a dedication to enhancing the lives of the people he serves. Freetown’s future looks brighter with this experienced leader at the forefront of its local administration.