Freetown: The Human Resource Unit of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) launched a two-day leadership and management capacity-building initiative on 1 April 2026, targeting staff nationwide.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Rebecca Saffa, MTHE’s Director of Human Resources, formally opened the event, explaining its objective to reshape attitudes and equip public servants with practical leadership skills tailored to service delivery. She introduced Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo as chairperson for the gathering.
Delivering welcome remarks, Mr. Kargbo stressed continuous skills development within public service, asserting that capacity building extends beyond office tools and infrastructure. He praised the Human Resource Directorate for organizing the program and urged civil servants to embrace leadership at every level. He encouraged a mindset rooted in service, integrity, and inspiration-detached from authority or titles.
Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie described leadership as an unending journey of learning and growth. True leadership, she noted, does not hinge on visibility or rank but on creating success opportunities for others and driving meaningful impact. She called for active engagement during sessions, emphasizing interactivity to maximize shared learning.
Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara positioned leadership at the heart of public service, underscoring accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and respect for diverse viewpoints. He urged participants to practice shared leadership and serve as role models within their respective roles.
Dr. Josephus Brimah, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer at MTHE, drew a sharp distinction between authentic recognition and attention-seeking conduct. Genuine leadership, he argued, stems from consistent service, integrity, and results-not from craving visibility. Leaders who prioritize right actions, even when unobserved, naturally earn credibility and respect over time.
Dr. Victor Massaquoi, Principal of Civil Service Training College (CSTC), highlighted evolving leadership and management demands in modern institutions. Beyond technical competence, effective leadership requires strong communication, emotional intelligence, and creativity. He explained that the initiative would expose participants to updated theories and practical applications for daily work.
As part of the opening activities, CSTC Registrar Dr. Mohamed Taylor administered a diagnostic test to assess participants’ grasp of leadership and management concepts. Subsequent sessions began with Dr. Massaquoi facilitating discussions on leadership in public service institutions, followed by Evelyn Kuyateh from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) leading a segment on ethical leadership and anti-corruption measures.
Delivering a vote of thanks, UNESCO National Secretary General Dr. Mohamed Kamanda expressed appreciation to the Ministry for organizing the event and encouraged attendees to fully utilise the opportunity. The program continues tomorrow, concluding with a certification ceremony.