2024 Achievements of the APRM National Secretariat in Sierra Leone – A One-Year Report
Upon his appointment by President Julius Maada Bio on September 8, 2023, and formally assuming office on October 2, 2023, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff swiftly outlined his vision for the APRM National Secretariat, setting short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. His outstanding and innovative leadership has led to significant achievements that align with President Bio’s vision for Sierra Leone, emphasizing transparency, democratic principles, and public engagement. As President Julius Maada Bio once stated, “Our journey towards sustainable development is a collective effort, and together, we can achieve greatness for Sierra Leone.” Sheriff has exemplified this collective spirit in his leadership.
In the short term, the APRM National Secretariat, reconstituted the National Governing Council (NGC), coordinated the launch of a Targeted Review on Unconstitutional Change of Government (UCG), launched a nationwide awareness campaign on UCG, and led the development of the APRM 2025 Annual Budget as well as a detailed concept note and a budget for the conduct of the APRM Second Generation Country Review. These initiatives laid a strong foundation for the Secretariat, reflecting a commitment to good governance. As Kwame Nkrumah stated, “Action without thought is empty. Thought without action is blind.” Sheriff’s strategic actions have been both thoughtful and impactful.
Medium-term efforts saw the Secretariat enhancing its visibility through strategic billboards and media engagements, making the APRM a household name. The Secretariat co-hosted the first Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Civil Service Reforms with the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs, launched a multilingual, user-friendly APRM website, and deepened collaboration with key partners like the APRM Continental Secretariat, GIZ, and the Center for Global Africa on various projects and initiatives related to the APRM process and its thematic areas, such as the APRM Governance Index, the APRM Youth Symposium, and the APRM Diaspora Engagement. These actions reinforced regional integration and shared growth. Reflecting on the words of Jomo Kenyatta, “Our task is to make ourselves architects of the future,” Sheriff has indeed been an architect of progress.
Looking ahead, the Secretariat, under Sheriff’s leadership, developed the first ever comprehensive Six-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), aligning its programs with national and continental development priorities. Staff training was prioritized, and the budget for the Second-Generation Country Review was finalized, securing endorsements from Parliament and the Ministry of Finance. These achievements underscore the Secretariat’s dedication to political stability and sustainable development, setting a robust foundation for the future. As Amílcar Cabral wisely noted, “Always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children.” Sheriff’s leadership has not only strengthened Sierra Leone’s presence on the global stage but also promoted good governance and sustainable development, in line with President Bio’s vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone. End Summary.
