Newly appointed Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. Kargbo, has taken charge of Sierra Leone’s Finance Ministry with a pledge to strengthen fiscal performance, improve accountability and accelerate delivery of Government priorities.
Karefa A. F. Kargbo formally assumed office on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a handing-over ceremony at the Ministry’s Conference Hall on George Street in Freetown, succeeding Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura after his three-year tenure.
Setting out his approach to the new assignment, Karefa A. F. Kargbo promised an open-door leadership style anchored on collaboration, timely implementation and measurable results.
He said the Ministry would build on progress already made while working closely with Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure Government targets and reform commitments are delivered within established timelines.
The new Minister also pointed to the supplementary budget as an important instrument for responding to current priorities and improving the management of public resources.
Karefa A. F. Kargbo thanked President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him and commended Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura for his stewardship of the Ministry. He pledged to maintain continuity where progress had been achieved while strengthening areas requiring greater attention.
His assumption of office places him at the centre of Government’s efforts to manage public finances, mobilize revenue and ensure resources are effectively directed towards national priorities.
Principal Deputy Financial Secretary and Acting Financial Secretary, Samuel E. B. Momoh, welcomed Karefa A. F. Kargbo and described the leadership transition as significant for the Ministry.
Samuel E. B. Momoh praised Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura for guiding the institution through a challenging period and advancing important reforms. He stressed that Government is a continuum and expressed confidence that Karefa A. F. Kargbo’s experience in public finance would help move the Ministry’s agenda forward.
Handing over the portfolio, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura described his three years as Finance Minister as an honour and thanked President Bio for giving him the opportunity to serve.
He also acknowledged Ministry staff, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and development partners for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura said his period in office involved navigating difficult circumstances while implementing measures intended to improve the management of public finances. He disclosed that progress recorded since 2023, together with outstanding institutional commitments, had been documented to ensure continuity.
He assured his successor of his support whenever required.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, commended Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura for his service and welcomed Karefa A.F. Kargbo, expressing optimism that cooperation between the two Ministries would remain strong in advancing Government’s development agenda.
Senior Deputy Financial Secretary, Mariatu Brown, also welcomed the new Minister, while Deputy Minister of Finance II, Isata Marah, delivered the closing courtesies.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a gift to Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura in appreciation of his service.
Senior officials and representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, National Revenue Authority, Financial Intelligence Agency and Accountant-General’s Department, witnessed the transition.
With the formalities concluded, attention now turns to Karefa A.F. Kargbo’s leadership of the Finance Ministry and his ability to translate his commitments on fiscal discipline, accountability and timely implementation into tangible results.
