Newly appointed Minister of Finance, Karefa A. Kargbo, has pledged to promote stronger institutional cooperation and consistent delivery as he assumes responsibility for managing Sierra Leone’s public finances.
Karefa A. Kargbo made the commitment after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at State House during a ceremony presided over by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Four other Ministers and Deputy Ministers were also formally inducted into office.
Addressing the ceremony on behalf of the new appointees, Karefa A. Kargbo thanked President Bio for giving them the opportunity to serve the country. He said they recognized the seriousness of their appointments and would carry out their responsibilities with humility, discipline and integrity.
The Finance Minister acknowledged that his new office plays a central role in determining the Government’s ability to implement programmes and achieve its development objectives.
He promised to consolidate the progress already made within the Ministry while identifying and addressing areas that require improvement.
“My intention is to build on that work, strengthen what is working, address the challenges that remain and ensure greater consistency in delivery,” Karefa A. Kargbo declared.
He paid tribute to former Finance Minister, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, for his contribution to the country’s economic and public financial management.
Karefa A. Kargbo also recognized the efforts of technical and administrative personnel within the Ministry of Finance and other Government institutions. He said their expertise and commitment would be essential to the successful implementation of economic policies.
Recognizing that the Finance Ministry cannot operate in isolation, Karefa A. Kargbo promised to maintain close cooperation with the Bank of Sierra Leone, National Revenue Authority, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private-sector institutions and other stakeholders.
He said sound economic management depends on effective coordination, reliable information and a shared sense of responsibility among the institutions involved.
President Bio, addressing the new officeholders, described public service as a demanding responsibility that requires dedication, courage and personal sacrifice.
He said the officials had been selected on merit and must justify the confidence placed in them by producing results that benefit the people of Sierra Leone.
The President urged them to maintain honesty, dignity and firmness in the performance of their duties. He reminded them that the oath of office represented a solemn commitment to the country and should guide their decisions and conduct.
Reflecting on his own experience, President Bio said he had taken his presidential oath with the Bible and continues to respect the sacred commitment he made.
“I took my oath of office with the Bible and I took it seriously because of the sacredness of the book I used,” he said.
The President advised the appointees to honour the pledges they made using either the Bible or Quran and to remain conscious of their duty to the nation.
Also sworn in were Umaru Napoleon Koroma as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security; Jeneba J. Bangura as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr Steven A. Jusu as Deputy Minister of Energy II; and Foday Mousa Fofanah as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.
Karefa A. Kargbo enters the Ministry of Finance with the responsibility of coordinating the Government’s financial and economic activities. His early commitment to institutional collaboration and continuity signals an intention to pursue a collective approach to the country’s economic management.
President Bio wished all five officials success and encouraged them to work together in supporting the Government’s development programme and meeting the expectations of Sierra Leoneans.
