By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Parliamentary Committee on Governance has engaged the management of the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) in a familiarization meeting on Monday 25 August, 2025, at the Commission’s Conference Room, 19F Bath Street, Off Kingharman Road, Brookfields, Freetown.
The meeting, part of the Committee’s oversight mandate, aimed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance within government institutions. Members of the Governance Committee and senior management of WCC attended the session.
In his opening statement, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Daniel B. Koroma, underscored disparities in public sector salaries, stressing that “some workers with the same qualifications and mandate are paid far better than their colleagues.” He noted the critical role of the WCC in harmonizing wages and expressed optimism that once the process is streamlined, the country would benefit from stronger financial reserves. He further recommended that government should maintain a two-year salary reserve, which the Commission could facilitate through its mandate.
Hon. Koroma clarified that the Committee’s visit was not a witch-hunt but a show of support. He pledged to engage with the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Finance to secure additional backing for the Commission’s work.
Also speaking, Hon. Emerson Lamina thanked the Commission for its hospitality and emphasized that the Committee’s mission was to assist, not criticize. He described the establishment of WCC as unprecedented in Sierra Leone and acknowledged the challenges created by disparities in salary structures across ministries, departments, and agencies. Drawing from his past experience with the Ministry of Mines, he pledged to support the Commission in securing resources to strengthen its work.
Former Committee Chairman, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, praised the creation of the WCC, describing it as a vital step toward harmonizing public sector wages. He urged the Commission to develop a clear roadmap for its operations and to prioritize a review of the national minimum wage in light of the country’s rising cost of living.
Presenting updates on the Commission’s work, WCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David W.S. Banya, outlined several ongoing initiatives. These include the monthly review and analysis of the national wage bill, a review of pension policies to address the issue of multiple pensions, and a comprehensive review of terms and conditions of service for public sector employees. He also highlighted public outreach and education campaigns designed to improve transparency, promote understanding of reforms, and secure stakeholder support.
Looking ahead, Mr. Banya announced that the Commission would soon convene a stakeholder retreat to consolidate feedback, strengthen collaboration with partners, and develop a strategic plan to guide its long-term agenda.
During the engagement, Members of Parliament sought clarifications on technical issues such as multiple pensions, the salary harmonization process, and challenges in implementing reforms. WCC management provided detailed responses and assured MPs of progress on these fronts.
In closing, Deputy CEO Prince A.S. Bio thanked the Parliamentary Committee for its visit and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency. He assured that Parliament would continue to receive regular updates on the Commission’s work.
The Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) is Sierra Leone’s central agency mandated to reform and regulate public sector compensation. It works to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in wages and benefits across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
