By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 5th August, 2026 – The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled a series of digital reforms aimed at modernising the public service, with plans to introduce biometric attendance monitoring, electronic performance appraisals and a Digital Human Resource (HR) Hub to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability across government institutions.
Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Conference held at Miatta Civic Centre, on 4th August, 2026, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, said the reforms formed part of the Government’s efforts to build a more professional, merit-based and technology-driven public service.
Among the key reforms is the replacement of manual attendance registers with biometric and GPS-enabled attendance monitoring, he said. Under the new system, public servants would electronically clock in and out using mobile devices, while attendance records would become a core component of staff performance evaluations and promotion decisions, creating a more objective and transparent appraisal process.
Minister Kallon said the Government would also replace paper-based performance appraisals with an electronic system that automatically calculates employee performance using verified data and annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). He noted that the KPIs’ would be aligned with ministerial targets and the Government’s national development priorities.
To strengthen capacity within the civil service, he said Government is reinforcing continuous professional development through the Public Service Academy. He emphasized that public officers seeking promotion would be required to complete relevant professional training programmes to ensure the civil service remained competent, responsive and professional.
The Digital HR Hub will also enable real-time nationwide monitoring of workforce attendance while introducing electronic workflow management, digital approvals and electronic signatures, he said, stating that these measures would reduce administrative delays, minimise paperwork and improve service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies.
Minister Kallon disclosed that approximately 22,000 civil servants are currently being migrated onto the new digital platform. He added that Government is validating and harmonising personnel records to eliminate inconsistencies and establish a single, reliable database to strengthen payroll administration, workforce planning and human resource management.
He said the reforms would further promote merit-based promotions through competency assessments, digital performance tracking and transparent evaluation mechanisms. Reducing physical interactions in administrative processes, he stated, would minimise opportunities for manipulation, promote fairness and reinforce accountability throughout the public service.
