By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) has concluded the review process of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Management and Functions and has presented to the minister and staff the report.
Minister of Tourism, Nabeela Tunis extended her heartfelt gratitude to the PSRU team for their commendable effort in putting the report together.
She said for any organization to operate efficiently, fulfil its mandate and transformative progress, it is imperative to subject itself to periodic critical assessment of its structure, mandate, management structure and external partnership.
The minister pointed out that the mission of the MFR was one of the very first things she embarked on after her appointment. She was delighted to see various suggestions taken onboard, especially the expansion of its structure to include critical aspects not considered before such as creativity, innovation, and resource mobilization.
“This also includes avenues for staff progression and growth and the inclusion of the Women in tourism unit which is critical for our engagement..,” she said.
She reiterated that the review also paid a lot of attention on monitoring and evaluation, research, and communication which are all critical for tourism to grow. She extended her appreciation to all the ministry staff who actively participated in the review process and provided invaluable support, underscoring their collective commitment to institutional commitment.
She praised the participatory research approach employed by the PSRU which does not only align public institutions with international standards and mandates, but also endeavors to shape them in accordance with the mission and standards of the tourism staff members.
She said she was looking forward to the commencement of the MFRs of all institutions that fall under the ministry to ensure that delivery is effective.
Director of PSRU, Sulaiman Phoray-Musa stated that if the Tourism ministry can be changed, then Sierra Leone is open to development as it is a sector that will sell the country to the outside world. He said that the sector will open Sierra Leone to even foreign direct investment.
He applauded the minister and team for taking a very important step to reposition the ministry in line with the aspirations of President Julius Maada Bio in transforming the country. He noted that the ministry thought it wise to institute a MFR to ascertain its position in the present government priorities, to ensure that it is well positioned to drive its mandates and functions with responsibilities that have been added to them.
Director Phoray-Musa confirmed that most of the documents and policies that the tourism ministry has been working with are outdated and obsolete, saying no ministry will be run at this time with a 1990 Act.
He believed that with the commitment of the minister and team, they will succeed in transforming the ministry.
The objectives of the MFR among others were to assess the ministry’s technical and administrative procedure, processes and facilities. It was also geared towards identifying gaps and challenges within the management and operational function of the ministry.
It was also to proffer recommendations and suggestions to ensure that the tourism ministry delivers on its mandate.
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