By Abdul Kamara

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has conducted a nationwide examination for shortlisted applicants seeking positions in various government ministries, reaffirming its commitment to merit-based recruitment and professionalism in Sierra Leone’s public sector.

Speaking to reporters, the Director of Recruitment at the PSC, Brima Queta said the exams formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. He explained that the examinations followed a public advertisement published a few months ago for vacancies in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Environment.

Queta disclosed that over 4,700 people applied for the advertised positions, but only 2,000 candidates were shortlisted based on qualifications and alignment with the job descriptions. “We have many qualified graduates coming out of universities every year,” he noted. “This examination is to further narrow down the list and ensure only the most suitable candidates move on to the interview stage. Those who do not make it will still have other opportunities, as vacancies continue to arise from retirements, resignations, or expansion in government institutions.”

He added that the exams were conducted simultaneously across the country, including Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Freetown to give applicants from all regions a fair chance.

One of the candidates, Yelie Conteh, who applied for the position of Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed optimism after sitting the exam. “I graduated in 2023 and have always wanted to contribute to my country,” she said. “As a former SLG student, it would be an honor to serve as a civil servant. I am hopeful and pray for the best.”

Another applicant, Alfred Fogbawa, who completed his studies in 2020, also shared his determination. “I am ready to give my all to pass this exam,” he said confidently.

Meanwhile, the PSC’s Communications Manager, Amadu Femoh Sesay, assured the public that the questions were fair and designed to test applicants’ academic understanding and analytical skills. “The questions are simple and straightforward,” he explained. “They fall within the knowledge expected of any university graduate.”

Sesay further reminded candidates of the PSC’s long-standing mandate. “The Public Service Commission was established in 1948 and currently operates under section 152 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. Our responsibility is to recruit, confirm, and discipline civil servants in line with government regulations.”

The exams are expected to produce a final shortlist of successful candidates who will later be invited for interviews, marking another step in the PSC’s drive to strengthen professionalism and meritocracy in the country’s public service.