Michael Kargbo

Acting Head of Public Administration Department
Institute for Public Administration and Management
Focus Area(s)
Civil Service
Critical Tasks
Training
Interviewers
Ashley McCants
Country of Reform
Sierra Leone
Town/City
Free Town
Country
Sierra Leone
Date of Interview
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Abstract
In this interview, Dr. Michael Kargbo discusses the Sierra Leonean Institute for Public Administration and Management (IPAM) as well as the complementary civil service reforms that are being pursued within the country. He emphasizes the need for improved training, particularly in the field of information technology (IT). Dr. Kargbo explains that IPAM offers such essential training through university degree programs for students as well short-term courses geared towards current civil servants. The content of such programs should be determined from within the country, rather than mandated from donors, Kargbo maintains. He goes on to discuss the problems presented by the rigidly hierarchical civil service structure that is currently in place in Sierra Leone, and the potential merits of a Senior Executive Service, which would open up the application process for top positions and offer increased benefits, while subjecting them to rigorous annual review that could result in their removal from position. 

Full Interview

55 MB
Michael Kargbo - Full Interview
Profile

At the time of this interview, Dr. Michael Kargbo was the Acting Head of Public Administration Department of IPAM, the Institute for Public Administration and Management in Sierra Leone. Kargbo earned his doctorate in foreign policy from the University of Birmingham, publishing his thesis concerning British foreign policy in Sierra Leone. He has extensive experience as an educator, working in dozens of schools in the United Kingdom and at the University of Birmingham.

Keywords
capacity building
promotion
retrenchment
training
Not specified