WALE CALLS FOR PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF PERMANENT SECRETARIES

The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has called on the Government to undertake a comprehensive performance audit of all Permanent Secretaries to ensure that ministries are delivering on their mandates.

Hon. Wale made the statement in light of the recent removal of the former Chief of Staff and ongoing ministerial reshuffles, stating that similar scrutiny and discipline must also be applied to the administrative heads of Government ministries.

“For those Permanent Secretaries who are performing exceptionally, they should be rewarded and recognised. But for those presiding over failing ministries, there must be accountability. At present, it appears easier to reshuffle Ministers than to assess and discipline Permanent Secretaries for non-performance,” Hon. Wale said.

Hon. Wale emphasised that ministries are the delivery machinery of Government, and when they fail to deliver, it is the citizens who ultimately pay the price.

“If the machine is broken, then we must fix it. If a ministry is not functioning as it should, the Permanent Secretary must be held accountable,” Hon. Wale said.

The Leader of Opposition noted that too many ministries continue to face recurring problems such as weak service delivery and poor financial management year after year.

“When the same issues persist, it becomes a matter of leadership. And as the administrative head, the buck stops with the Permanent Secretary,” Hon. Wale added.

Hon. Wale therefore proposed that the Government initiate a full performance audit of all Permanent Secretaries, with clear benchmarks for assessing effectiveness, financial management, and service delivery.

“Ultimately, this is about ensuring that the machinery of Government is working for the people. Where a Permanent Secretary is performing, reward and recognition are due. But persistent failure at the top levels of public administration cannot be ignored, especially when the cost is borne by the people,” Hon. Wale said.

Hon. Wale concluded by urging the Government to apply a consistent standard of accountability across the public service.

“If we are serious about restoring trust in Government, then we must demand results from those entrusted with running it. That includes holding Permanent Secretaries to account through proper performance evaluation,” Hon. Wale said.

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-Office of the Leader of the Opposition Press Release