Officials of the Wages and Compensation Commission have engaged with the leadership of the SLP and PSC during which they shared ideas on a number of issues bordering on their various functions and responsibilities.
The Police meeting held at their George Street, Freetown Headquarters on the 15th October, 2024 was aimed at updating the leadership of the SLP about the mandate and functions of the Commission. The engagement attracted Directors, heads of Units together with the SLP North-East Regional Commander.
A similar engagement was also held with staff of the Public Service Commission led by its Chairman, Mr. Kalilu Umar Bah who also doubles as the Vice Chairman of WCC.
During the engagement with PSC on the 10th October, 2024, the Secretary of PSC and head of Administration, Mr. Mohamed Jusu assured of the Commission’s full support to WCC. He said he was aware that WCC was established to support government in resolving wages disparity as PSC was fully involved during the consultation process that led to the establishment of WCC board.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Aiah Edward Samadia explained that salary disparities have existed for a very long time and expressed his delight that WCC has been established to harmonize the distortions.
“When you compare the salaries for graduates in the SLP or the RSLAF to other graduates in other institutions, you will realize several disparities. The work of the police cannot be overemphasized, so we need an encouraging salary package,” he said.
Chairman of WCC), Hon. Alpha Osman Timbo said it is part of their responsibility to meet and share ideas with the leadership of various MDAs that have direct relationship with the WCC.
He explained that WCC was established by an Act of Parliament signed by President Julius Maada Bio in April 2023 to determine the wages and compensation for public sector employees, to harmonize the public sector pay system to reflect equity and merit and to provide for other related matters.
Hon. Timbo stated that in order for the WCC to discharge its mandate effectively, the Act makes provisions that are critical to the work of the institution as it nullifies all other provisions in legislations that originally confer authority to those institutions to determine terms and conditions of service for their employees.
He assured that they will ensure that they fulfill WCC’s mandate to the latter.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WCC, Mr. David W.S Banya ended the meeting by highlighting contents of the Commission’s Act, its establishment, mandate, functions, membership, powers, Application/scope, and Guidelines in determining public sector wages. He also mentioned the institution’s Accomplishments since its inception, and planned activities before the close of Financial Year (FY) 2024.
The WCC team was led by the Chairman alongside the CEO, Deputy CEO, Mr. Prince A.S Bio and one of the Commissioners, Mr. Max Conteh
The Wages and Compensation Commission is responsible for determining Wages and Compensation for public sector employees, harmonizing the public sector pay system to reflect equity and merit and making provisions for other related matters.