The Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) has commenced active engagement with representatives from key public sector institutions to discuss its mandate and operational framework. The initiative marks a significant step in harmonizing salaries and conditions of service across Sierra Leone’s public workforce.
Chairman of WCC, Hon. Alpha Osman Timbo, emphasized that the Commission was established to address longstanding salary distortions, inconsistencies, and disparities, ensuring that public sector employees are remunerated fairly according to their qualifications and responsibilities.
“The WCC Act nullifies all other provisions that allowed individual institutions to determine their own salaries and conditions of service. This provides a foundation for equity, merit, and transparency across the public sector,” he said.
Chairman Timbo noted that a key objective of the engagement was to introduce stakeholders to the composition, functions, and powers of the Commission, while soliciting their support and collaboration in implementing the Commission’s mandate. He also highlighted plans for study visits to other countries to learn from similar institutions globally.
Recalling the origins of the Commission, Chairman Timbo mentioned that on 5th December 2018, the Government of Sierra Leone, represented by Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, John Sumailah, engaged international consultant George Graham to assist in establishing the WCC. Consultations with social partners and technical committees, including staff from the Public Sector Reform Unit, culminated in a final report submitted on 10th December 2019.
Referencing the Sierra Leone Peoples Party Manifesto of 2023, dubbed New Direction: Consolidating Gains and Accelerating Transformation, Chairman Timbo noted that the Commission forms a critical part of the government’s commitment to public sector reform and transformation.
Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, John Sumailah, highlighted that the WCC seeks to:
- Harmonize the public sector pay system and address disparities across payroll categories.
- Ensure that compensation reflects actual work performed.
- Streamline pensions for a sustainable and predictable system.
- Promote fairness, consistency, and equity across all public institutions.
Acting Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, praised the engagement as a milestone for the public sector, stating that WCC is addressing disparities and ensuring a motivated, productive workforce.
The engagement included a detailed presentation on the work of the Commission by CEO, Mr. David W.S. Banya.