History

The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) has played a central role in shaping and strengthening the governance and administrative landscape of Sierra Leone for more than two decades. Evolving through different phases and government administrations, PSRU has maintained a consistent mandate: to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and accountability within the public service.

Origins & Evolution

The journey of PSRU began in January 2008, when the former Governance Reform Secretariat was transformed into the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU). This major institutional reform entrusted PSRU with leading, coordinating, and providing strategic guidance on all public sector reform initiatives across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

PSRU was established to modernize public sector systems, streamline administrative processes, and promote a more efficient and responsive public service. Through a joined-up reform approach, the Unit consolidated diverse reform components into well-coordinated pathways, targeting improved service delivery and better institutional performance.

Institutional Placement & Reorganization

Over the years, the PSRU’s institutional placement has continued to evolve:

In April 2018, a government memorandum integrated PSRU into the Civil Service Architecture as a Professional Department reporting through the Office of the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service.

While this change gave PSRU a more structured role in civil service reforms, it also highlighted the need to reposition the Unit under the Office of the President for greater authority, real-time communication of reform challenges, and accelerated decision-making.

Today, the PSRU continues to strengthen its alignment with the Government of Sierra Leone’s national transformation agenda and public sector modernization priorities.

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Past Coordinators & Directors

PSRU’s growth has been shaped by visionary leaders who have contributed to strengthening governance and public service delivery:

Joe N. Lappia (PhD.)

Coordinator, Governance Reform Secretariat (2000–2003)

Julius Sandy (PhD.)

Director, PSRU (2009–2013)

Ms. Sidratu Koroma

Director, PSRU (2013–2018)

Mrs. Georgiana Kamara (Late)

Director, PSRU (2018–2023)

Mr. Emmanuel B. Osho Coker

Coordinator (2003–2009)

A Legacy Across Successive Governments

Since its inception, the PSRU has successfully served under three successive governments, maintaining continuity in reform programmes that enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery across the public sector. Its long-standing presence reflects its strategic importance and the sustained commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone to public sector modernization.

Institutional Placement and Reorganization

Over the years, the PSRU’s institutional placement has continued to evolve:

  • In April 2018, a government memorandum integrated PSRU into the Civil Service Architecture as a Professional Department reporting through the Office of the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service.
  • While this change gave PSRU a more structured role in civil service reforms, it also highlighted the need to reposition the Unit under the Office of the President for greater authority, real-time communication of reform challenges, and accelerated decision-making.
Today, the PSRU continues to strengthen its alignment with the Government of Sierra Leone’s national transformation agenda and public sector modernization priorities.

Alignment with National Development Priorities

PSRU is currently aligned with the Government’s fifth-generation Poverty Reduction Strategy, particularly Cluster 4 & Cluster 5, which focus on revamping public sector delivery, efficiency, and professionalism.

The PSRU supports the “Feed Salone” agenda (2023–2028), providing technical backstopping to MDAs and ensuring reforms contribute to food security, economic growth, institutional efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery.

Steering Committee on Public Sector Reform (SCPSR)

A major milestone in PSRU’s history is the establishment of the Steering Committee on Public Sector Reform (SCPSR) in January 2024. The Committee provides strategic direction, identifies reform challenges, and oversees the approval and implementation of recommendations from Management and Functional Reviews (MFRs).

It also fosters interagency collaboration by bringing together senior government leaders from MDAs, Local Councils, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and oversight bodies.

The history of the Public Sector Reform Unit reflects resilience, evolution, and continuous commitment to modernizing the Sierra Leone public service. From its transformation in 2008 to its current strategic role under the national development agenda, PSRU remains a cornerstone institution dedicated to building a professional, efficient, and citizen-focused public sector.

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Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU)


Address
8 Wesley Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone


Phone
+232 74 694 987


Email
info@psru.gov.sl

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