President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has appointed Karefa A. F. Kargbo as Sierra Leone’s new Minister of Finance, placing him at the centre of the Government’s economic and fiscal management at a crucial period for the country.
The appointment was contained in an official public notice issued by State House on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, announcing 15 appointments across Ministries, diplomatic missions, public institutions and Government agencies. The appointments are subject to parliamentary approval where applicable.
Karefa A. F. Kargbo’s appointment stands out prominently among the latest changes, as the Ministry of Finance occupies a central position in the Government’s management of public resources, implementation of the national budget, domestic revenue mobilization and coordination of economic policy.
His selection places significant responsibility on his shoulders as the Government continues efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve public financial management, mobilize resources and support programmes aimed at advancing national development.
As Finance Minister, Karefa A. F. Kargbo will be expected to provide leadership in managing the country’s finances and working with other Government institutions and development partners on economic priorities.
The appointment also signals the confidence President Bio has placed in Karefa A. F. Kargbo to take responsibility for one of the most important portfolios in Government.
Karefa A. F. Kargbo will be expected to work closely with institutions responsible for revenue mobilization and expenditure management. His appointment comes alongside changes at the National Revenue Authority (NRA), where Abu M. Kanneh has been appointed Commissioner General and Edmond Nonie as Deputy Commissioner General II.
The combination of new leadership at the Ministry of Finance and NRA could prove important to the Government’s efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and ensure that public resources are effectively managed to support national priorities.
Beyond Karefa A. F. Kargbo’s appointment, President Bio named Mohamed Rahman Swarray as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Umaru Napoleon Koroma as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
Jeneba J. Bangura was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Dr. Steven A. Jusu was named Deputy Minister of Energy II. Foday Mousa Fofanah was appointed Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.
At other institutions, Prince A. Bull Luseni was appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
On the diplomatic front, Professor Foday M. Jaward was named Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Qatar.
President Bio also appointed Sheku A.F. Bangura and Timothy Musa Kabba as Presidential Advisers.
In the health sector, Dr. Sartie Kenneh was appointed Chairman of the National Public Health Agency, while Dr. Donald Alpha Bash-Taqi was named Chairman of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Council. Professor Gibril Fadlu-Deen was appointed Chairman of the Teaching Hospitals Complex Administration Board.
For Karefa Kargbo, however, the appointment to the Finance Ministry represents a major responsibility and an opportunity to contribute directly to the country’s economic direction.
Attention will now turn to the priorities he sets for the Ministry and how his leadership will contribute to fiscal stability, revenue mobilization, prudent expenditure and the financing of Sierra Leone’s development programmes.
