MTHE Unveils Roadmap to Improve Staff Performance, Expand Workforce
Sia Lucy Kannah The Acting Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Sellu Kaifala, Esq., has unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at improving staff performance and expanding the ministry’s workforce through 2027.
The initiative is expected to strengthen public service delivery and improve the quality of higher and technical education across Sierra Leone.
Speaking about his operational priorities, Kaifala said his immediate focus is to conduct a comprehensive baseline audit of the ministry. The exercise will assess existing staffing levels, employee competencies, working conditions and internal administrative practices to identify operational gaps and improve efficiency.
He emphasised the importance of technical education, innovation and middle-level manpower training in driving national development and economic growth. He also pledged to strengthen supervisory systems and maintain direct engagement with technical institutions and universities nationwide through structured field visits.
On staff welfare and performance management, Kaifala acknowledged efforts to improve working conditions across the public sector but stressed the need for accountability. He outlined plans to standardise performance appraisals, improve punctuality and expand opportunities for continuous professional development.
To address staffing shortages, he disclosed that the ministry has submitted a proposal to the government seeking approval for an expanded staff establishment. If approved, the plan will allow for the recruitment and deployment of additional personnel to regional and district offices beginning in 2027.
While acknowledging that limited staffing and operational resources remain major challenges, Kaifala said data-driven human resource management, structured training and targeted recruitment would be essential to improving standards in higher and technical education.
He noted that the proposed reforms align with the Government’s broader Human Capital Development Agenda and called on ministry staff and other stakeholders to support their implementation.