Freetown, Sierra Leone – Monday, 25th August 2025* – The Parliamentary Committee on Governance of the Parliament of Sierra Leone held a familiarization engagement with the management of the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) at the Commission’s Conference Room, 19F Bath Street, Off Kingharman Road, Brookfields, Freetown.
The engagement, as outlined in a letter from the Committee, falls within its mandate to oversee governance, public administration, and the effective functioning of government institutions, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the promotion of good governance principles in the public sector. The meeting was witnessed by members of the Governance Committee alongside Senior Management of WCC.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Governance Committee, Hon. Daniel B. Koroma, highlighted existing disparities in public sector salaries, noting that “some workers with the same qualifications and mandate are paid far better than their colleagues,” which underscores the importance of WCC’s role in harmonizing salaries. He expressed confidence that “once the Commission gets it right in salary harmonization, Sierra Leone will benefit, and the country will start boasting of having sufficient reserves.” He further emphasized that the government should maintain a two-year salary reserve, which WCC can facilitate through its mandate.
Hon.Daniel B. Koroma clarified that the Committee’s visit was not intended as a witch-hunt but rather to provide support and proffer solutions. To this end, he pledged that the Committee would meet with the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Finance to secure additional support for WCC.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Hon. Emerson Lamina thanked WCC for the hospitality and reinforced that the visit was to assist, not to criticize. He noted that WCC’s creation is unprecedented in Sierra Leone and highlighted the challenges posed by salary disparities across MDAs with autonomous pay structures. He promised to support the Commission in navigating its challenges, drawing from his prior experience assisting the Ministry of Mines to secure funding from one of its supervisory agencies.
Former Chairman of the Governance Committee, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma commended the establishment of WCC, noting the critical role it plays in harmonizing public sector salaries. He urged Commission staff to develop a clear roadmap to ensure effective operations and emphasized the importance of reviewing the minimum wage in light of the rising cost of living.
In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of WCC, Mr. David W.S. Banya, outlined some of the programs and activities currently being implemented by the Commission. These include:
- Monthly review and analysis of the national wage bill
- Review of pension policies to address the issue of multiple pensions
- Review and analysis of terms and conditions of work for all public sector employees
- Outreach and public education initiatives to foster transparency, promote public understanding of reforms, and secure stakeholder buy-in
Looking ahead, Mr. Banya also highlighted upcoming activities such as:
A Stakeholder Retreat aimed at consolidating feedback, strengthening collaboration with key partners, and supporting the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the Commission’s future work.
During the engagement, Members of Parliament sought clarifications on technical areas, including multiple pensions, salary harmonization processes, and the challenges faced in implementing these reforms. The WCC management adequately responded to all clarifications, providing detailed explanations and updates on ongoing initiatives.
In closing, the Deputy CEO of WCC, Prince A.S. Bio thanked the Parliamentary Committee for their visit and expressed the Commission’s commitment to maintaining full transparency. He assured Members of Parliament that WCC will keep them fully updated on progress made in addressing the challenges and advancing its mandate.
About the Wages and Compensation Commission
The Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) is the Government of Sierra Leone’s central agency mandated to reform and regulate public sector compensation. The Commission works to ensure transparency, fairness, and equity in wages and benefits across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
*Media Contact: **
Directorate of Communications and Public Affairs
Wages and Compensation Commission
Tel: +23276557497/ +23288252024
