Galliness Conference Hall, Bo City, Tuesday 21 May 2024 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed ministers, deputies, permanent secretaries, and other senior civil servants at the opening of a two-day Ministerial Retreat in Bo. He urged his cabinet to correct and recalibrate their actions for the national agenda. He described the session as timely and reminded them that the conference was for them to deliver on the promises made to the people of Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the theme: “Deepening Coordination, Collaboration for Accelerated Service Delivery,” President Bio emphasized that it was an opportunity to "speak hard truths" and adjust actions to advance the national agenda within a limited timeframe. He highlighted the significant responsibility owed to Sierra Leone by ministers, deputies, and senior civil servants, stating they were called to serve on a contract that "must be fulfilled at all costs."
President Bio noted progress during his first term in changing women's participation in politics and economics, foundational education for children, and enhancing democratic space but acknowledged these gains were insufficient.
"I put this team together because I cannot do this work alone," he said. "We are in a time of great difficulty, both economically and socially, and the expectations of our people are very high." He observed some team members operating in silos with little dynamism in solving complex problems.
He called for commitment to drive change immediately: "Honorable Vice President, Chief Minister, and Ministers assembled here; we must have a candid conversation about our responsibility to deliver on the ‘Big Five Game Changers’. The time for excuses has ended."
President Bio reiterated his commitment: "I have not lost sight of what I promised the people of Sierra Leone." He stressed that achieving betterment required unwavering commitment despite adversity.
He also addressed internal team dynamics: "The glue that held teams together was tolerance, respect, mutuality, trust, and equality." He noted reports about hostile relationships between some ministers and their deputies. Emphasizing teamwork over individual effort: "No one can do this job alone," he urged ministers to cultivate team planning cultures.
For more inquiries: State House Media and Communications Unit info@statehouse.gov.sl
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