By Janet A. Sesay
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone has on Friday, 22nd March, 2024, launched the Management and Functional Review of the Ministry. This report was done by the Public Sector Reform Unit of the Office of the President.
This launch took place at the ministry’s office at King Harman Road in Freetown in the presence of the press and ministry staff. The report is a way forward in reforming the ministry for its betterment and the nation’s.
This same report has also been launched in other ministries trying to achieve the president’s agenda, which is the “New Direction”.
During the launching process, the Permanent Representative of the Ministry, Kawmie Yankson, giving his overall view of the launch, said six months ago the minister was invited by the Public Sector Reform Unit where she was told that the ministry needed some review.
He said directives were wrote to the director of the PSRU to access the ministry holistically for them to see the structures and how it can be restructured to put modern day management in place that is in line with the president’s plans.
He said that the process started in earnest and it was first forwarded to their ministry and everyone in the ministry gave their input and sent it back to the PRSU, adding that the final document is out.
He furthered that the Director of the PRSU and team will give a presentation to the staff for them to know the new direction of the ministry, what the ministry will look like, what would be their functions, and those who would be shifted to another directorate based on their competence.
In her statement, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, said that she was honoured and delighted to receive the report on the Management and Functional Review of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
She said that this report has been meticulously compiled by the extreme research team from the Public Sector Reform Unit in the Office of the President and on behalf of the entire ministry and staff she sent her gratitude to the dedicated team for their commendable effort and insightful analyses.
The minister furthered to the staff of the ministry that they are all aware of the significance of the report and the Management and Functional Review that has been concluded by the Public Sector Reform Unit.
She added that for any organisation to operate effectively, fulfill its mandate and capitalise from the transformative progress, it is deprivable to subject itself to periodic difficult segments of it structure, functions, management systems and extended partnerships.
Madam Tunis further that in the world of beauty to improve is to change / improve and to be perfect is to change often, adding that the alternate objective is to foster positive result oriented change that not only benefit the institution but also enhances the wellbeing of the entire staff, and by extension the nation as a whole.
The learned minister furthered that the mission of the Management and Functional Review report was one of the first thing she embarked on immediately after her appointment as minister.
She said in light of receiving various suggestions taken on board, especially the function of the structure, is to include physical aspects that were not explicitly considered, such as creativity, innovation, resources mobilisation among others.
She continued that this report also includes avenue for chart progression and roles, adding that the report includes the inclusion of women which is critical for their engagement at the continental and other levels.
Madam Tunis continued that the report also have inclusion of gender unit transfer that deals with action, devoting and incorporation.
She said lot of institutions deals with monitoring, evaluation, data collection, research monitoring and communication, adding that these are all critical for tourism to grow.
She sent her sincere appreciation to all community staff who actively participated in the review process and for providing valuable support underscoring their collective commitment to institutional excellence.
Minister Tunis furthered in her statement that personally she does endorse the participatory research approach employed by the Public Sector Reform Unit, adding that it does not only align public institutions with international standards and mandates but it also endeavours to take them in accordance with the vision and aspiration of their staff members.
She furthered that taking any institution forward is contingent upon the competence, dedication and satisfaction of its workforce.
She said she is looking forward to the commencement of all the institutions that fall under the ministry to ensure that delivery is key learned, and effectiveness should be seen.
She said every member of the ministry will play a pivotal role to ensure the implementation of this recommendation.
She said that the staff must remember that change in management process is critical to the implementation of the Management Functional Review and also called on all the institutions and individuals who have the requisite know how to support the ministry in their own way.
She told the staff that the time has come for everyone to double their efforts and forge ahead with unwavering determination.
She said, ‘Let everyone make collective stride to make themselves and beloved Sierra Leone proud.’
Sulaiman Fornah Musa, Director Public Sector Reform, Office of the President, in his presentation said that the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) provides leadership, coordination and strategic guidance in the design, implementation and monitoring of public sector reform initiatives.
He furthered that this functional review was undertaken as part of a broader engagement commissioned by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to help strengthen decision making at the centre of government to enhance service delivery across the public sector.
Mr. Musa further presented that the review is consistent with cluster 4 of the “2023 New Direction Manifesto” which emphasises, “Revamping the Public Service Architecture”, strengthening accountability, professionalism and service delivery.
He said the MFR process was also able to assess whether the mandate and functions of the ministry is not in conflict with any of its constituent institutions or established entities.
Director Kawa continued his presentation that the objective of the MFR is to strengthen management and operational systems of the MTCA to ensure efficient and effective coordination, monitoring and service delivery consistent with the development agenda of the government and the “New Direction Manifesto”.
He said the specific objective of the MFR is to review the mandate, responsibilities and functions of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and to examine the organisational structure and human resources issues of the MTCA.
He furthered that it also aimed at assessing the MTCA’s technical and administrative procedures, processes and facilities.
He furthered that it also identifies gaps and challenges within the management and operational functions of the MTCA and also proffer recommendations and make suggestions to ensure that the MTCA delivers on its mandate.
The director in his presentation said the methodology and approaches employed the qualitative method through the MFR. He continued that the team employed structured, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were administered to staff across all cadres.
Patrick Kawa, Director – Management Service HRMO, said this process started three years ago, adding that it is a good step forward. He said this is not end of the game but the beginning of the ministry’s settlement.