NDMA Headquarters, Aberdeen, Freetown, May 15, 2026 – The new leadership of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), headed by Director General John Vandy Rogers, on Thursday May 14 convened its first General Staff Meeting to engage staff across the institution, updating them on the Agency’s progress, and listening to concerns affecting operations and staff welfare.
The meeting, held at the NDMA conference room, brought together senior management and staff from regional offices nationwide, including drivers and cleaners.
Welcoming staff members, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Paul Thomas, explained that the meeting is the first general staff meeting under the new leadership and was intended to provide updates on the gains and strides made by the Agency while creating an opportunity for staff to openly discuss challenges requiring management’s attention.
Deputy Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Martha Lahai, who moderated the meeting, emphasized the importance of regular staff meetings in promoting institutional growth and improving staff welfare. She encouraged participants to maintain professionalism, openness, and constructive dialogue throughout the discussions.
Introducing the Director General, Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa welcomed staff and highlighted what he described as significant progress made by the new administration in improving staff welfare, promoting gender inclusion, and strengthening partnerships to advance the Agency’s mandate.
“An institution can only succeed when its people are motivated, respected, and fully involved in the process. We are committed to creating an enabling environment where professionalism, inclusiveness, gender equality, and teamwork will continue to thrive,” he stated.
Addressing staff members, Director General Rogers outlined several achievements recorded during his first 100 days in office. According to him, the Agency has made notable progress in institutional restructuring, administrative reforms, staff capacity building, and strategic collaboration with national and international stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations.
“In these first 100 days, our focus has been on strengthening the internal systems of NDMA, improving coordination mechanisms, and positioning the Agency for greater efficiency and national impact,” DG Rogers said. “Our vision is to build a responsive and resilient institution that prioritizes both staff welfare and effective service delivery.”
The Director General further noted that although the Agency had developed several operational policies since its establishment, there was a pressing need for a comprehensive Human Resources Manual to regulate staff conduct and enhance employee welfare in line with international best practices.
To address this gap, he said management tasked a team of senior officials with developing a Human Resources Management Manual for the institution. The document was officially launched during the meeting which DG Rogers described as a landmark policy framework that would promote fairness, accountability, professionalism, and improved staff management within the Agency.
Director of Finance, Morie Bassie Karteh, also briefed staff on the Agency’s finances, including challenges relating to budgetary allocations and operational costs. Despite the constraints, he assured staff that management remains committed to providing the necessary resources and guidance to enhance operations nationwide.
Director Karteh also urged finance officers in the regions to exercise prudence in the administration of allocated resources and provided guidance on effective financial reporting and liquidation procedures.
The Director of Communications, Mohamed L. Bah, and the Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, also addressed staff on the importance of ethics, professionalism, and effective communication in disaster management operations. They emphasized the need for staff to uphold high professional standards while responding to emergencies and engaging affected communities. Both directors highlighted the critical role of timely, accurate, and responsible communication in promoting public trust and ensuring best practices in their operations.
The meeting featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which staff members raised concerns about operational challenges in the field, logistics, and working conditions, particularly in the provinces. Staff also sought clarification on several institutional and administrative matters while making recommendations directly to management.
The leadership and members of senior management responded with assurances of continued reforms and improved working conditions, especially for staff serving in regional offices, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional performance and staff morale.
Several junior staff members expressed appreciation to the new leadership for creating an inclusive platform that allowed them to freely voice their concerns. They also pledged their continued commitment toward the growth and development of the Agency.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
Toll-free line: 1199 (all networks)
Email: mohamedIbah@ndma.gov.sl
