Bak vows reforms to tackle ‘critical overstaffing’ at finance ministry

JUBA – South Sudan’s newly appointed minister of finance and planning, Bak Barnaba, has acknowledged the urgent need for reforms within the ministry, citing the issue of “critical overstaffing” as a primary concern.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside the central bank governor on Saturday, Bak revealed that the ministry currently employs over 1400 staff members.

He stressed the need to address this issue effectively.

“The ministry of finance and planning is critically overstaffed; we have more than 1400 staff,” the senior government official said.

Bak elaborated on the challenges posed by the ministry’s overstaffing, highlighting the lack of adequate workspaces for many employees due to unwarranted hiring.

“The crown you see at the ministry is not only people who are coming for claims; among them are my employees because they do not have space to sit,” Bak said.

Despite the overstaffing issue, Bak expressed his commitment to providing suitable workspaces for active employees rather than resorting to immediate contract terminations.

“I am not going to terminate their contract, but I am saying those who are capable and have been kept outside offices will get offices, and those who have been in office and ineffective will again wait a bit,” he stated.

Bak emphasized the importance of restructuring the ministry to enhance its overall efficiency, recognizing its crucial role in bolstering operational effectiveness.

He further underscored the need for active reforms and emphasized the importance of collective citizen participation in the implementation process.

Speaking on monetary policies, central bank governor James Alic Garang outlined the government’s plans to implement stringent measures.

“The Bank of South Sudan plans to pursue a strong monetary policy framework. This calls for a strategic approach to working with the key stakeholders in the economy,” he said.

Alic elaborated on the objectives of the monetary policy framework, highlighting its role in promoting healthy competition, fostering resource allocation, encouraging productivity and economic growth, reducing foreign exchange market distortions, enabling prudent investment decisions, and ensuring a sound and more efficient financial system.