Amadu Femoh Sesay

Communications Manager

The Public Service Commission (PSC) on Saturday, 24^th August, 2024 conducted Civil Service Entrance Examination as part of its competency-based recruitment process to attract competent personnel into the Civil Service of Sierra Leone. Over One Thousand Seven Hundred (1700) applicants who applied for the Administrative Officer position recently advertised by the Commission took the examination.

The examination was simultaneously held at the Government Model Secondary School and Government Rokel Secondary School in Freetown, Ansarul Secondary School in Kenema, Saint Francis Secondary School in Makeni, and Bo Government Secondary School in Bo.

Addressing the applicants in Bo before the commencement of the examination, Commissioner Abu Ahmed Kemokai said the iexamination was not just a test of the knowledge and skills, but also a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to contribute to Revamp the Public Service Architecture of Sierra Leone in line with cluster 4 of the Five Big Changers of the Government’s national development aspirations. He added that the Administrative Cadre plays a pivotal role in the Civil Service, noting that having the right attitude to work was key to ones stay and growth in the Service.

In his Address at the examination centre in Kenema, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mohamed Jusu underscored the significance of the Civil Service Entrance Examination, noting that it was a crucial stage in the PSC’s recruitment exercise. He informed applicants that the exercise was in consonance with the provision of Section 152 (1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which empowers the Commission “…to appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the public service (including power to make appointments on promotion and to confirm appointments) and to dismiss and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices…”.

Wishing them good luck, he said by participating in this process, they were taking a significant step toward playing a vital role in shaping the future of the Public Service of Sierra Leone.

Addressing applicants at the Government Model Government Secondary School, the Director of Recruitment and Career Development, Mr. Brima Queta disclosed that over Six Thousand (6000) job seekers applied for the above position and 12 others. He said after thorough assessment of the applications, only Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three (4833) applicants met the requirement for the examination, which is being held in phases.

“Today’s examination is purely for those applicants who applied for the Administration Officer position, and the examination for the other 12 positions will be held on Saturday 31^st August and 7^th September, 2024.” He added

In an interview with journalists, the Director was quick to state that “transparency and accountability are the hallmark of the recruitment process, including the examination.” He stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission in Makeni, the Selection, Appointment and Promotion Manager, Mr. Edwin Koroma assured the applicants that the PSC will continue to give equal opportunity to every job seeker, irrespective of their region, tribe and political affiliation. “You are assured of a competency and merit-based recruitment process that will give everyone a fair chance.” He re-affirmed.