By Amin Kef Sesay
During the commencement of a retreat for high profiled police personnel at The Place Resort, Tokeh on the 12th April, 2021 in which President Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, members of the Executive Management Board (EMB), members of the Fourth Estate, invited guests, distinguished ladies and gentlemen were present, the Inspector General of Police expressed profound thanks and appreciation to all for honouring their invitation.
He revealed that the retreat is first of its kind in the history of the Sierra Leone Police.
“It was designed as a soul searching effort to discuss our gains and identify the challenges,” the IG stated adding that they are also going to use it for experience sharing with other Government agencies and organisations in order to identify and take home some best practices relevant to their work that will help make them more relevant to the people they serve.
He continued that it is believed that the effective functioning of an organisation is not only determined by the internal concerns but also influenced greatly by the many unstable external environmental factors.
The IG said for the sustenance of its survival and growth, the organisation must identify the opportunities and challenges and the risks and the limitations, presented by the external environment in which the organisation exists.
“It is also said that consultations are necessary to maintain co-ordination and effective organisational performance,” he furthered pointing out how it is therefore necessary for good leaders, when preparing and assessing a vision to consult widely in order to understand the expectations of stakeholders.
IG Sovula said they have therefore deliberately decided to invite selected stakeholders that they consider key in carrying out their mandate so that they can share their experiences and state how they feel about one another.
“We have also brought in the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning and groups like Motor Drivers Union, the Keke Riders Association, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), Petty Traders Association, the Dollar-Boys Association and Bar Owners Association among others who sometimes make our work very challenging; so that we can dialogue and have better understanding and an amicable working relationship,” Ambrose Sovula disclosed adding that they believe that approach will help them position the SLP for a service delivery.
“Your Excellency, we have completed the implementation of the 2015-2019 Sierra Leone Police Strategic Development Plan (SLP-SDP) and we are in the second year of the 2020-2024 Strategic Development Plan (SDP) that guides us to where we want to go,” he stated adding in working with their partners/stakeholders they have used various strategies, carried out many operations and undertake many other activities saying that they believe that there should be time to check what they have done to establish whether they are on course otherwise they review and take the right course.
According to him it is said that in creating the Vision, Mission and Values of an organisation, a good leader should always take into account the bigger Government vision and the environmental forces.
He said they are aware of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) of his Government maintaining that the retreat would let them know whether what they are doing is in line with the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP).
The IG stated that they believe that the constitutional mandate of the SLP cannot be carried out in isolation but through partnership and collaboration.
“Skeptics would want to know if this consultation is genuine; and whether we will encourage and welcome ideas and suggestions,” he argued adding that some might also wonder if it will be regular and whether it will cover current plans, progress and future developments.
He assured the President, distinguished guests that the retreat will not be a talking shop; as they will value each and every contribution and those that would come in the form of criticisms will be taken in good faith.
The IG said the outcome of the three days engagement would be documented, aligned with their Strategic Development Plan and the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan.
“It would be reduced into Project Initiation Documents (PIDs), implemented, monitored and periodically evaluated and reviewed in order to get the desired result,” he revealed saying they believe that would add value to what they do.
“I want to further assure you Your Excellency, distinguished guests, that this will not be the last of retreat for the SLP; we would now take it as an approach in the corporate governance of the organisation,” he promised.
“Your Excellency, let me once more pledge our reassurance, loyalty and commitment to you, your Government and the people of Sierra Leone and to maintain that the Sierra Leone Police will continue to improve on our performance in providing the safe, secured and enabling peaceful environment for the successful implementation of your ‘New Direction’ agenda,” the Inspector General of Police concluded.
