Parliament Unanimously Approves Forty-Two Presidential Nominees

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Parliament, on the 25^th July, 2023 debated and unanimously approved the First Report of The Committee on Appointments and the Public Service in the Sixth Parliament which was chaired by Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business.

During the session, the following Presidential Nominees sailed through  Parliamentary vetting and scrutiny: Sheku Fantamadi Bangura – Minister of Finance, Alhaji Kanja I. Sesay – Minister of Energy, Dr. Austin Hingha Demby – Minister of Health, Timothy M. Kabba – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Princes Betty Dugba – Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Max-Kyne – Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ambassador Adekunle Joliff Milton King – Minister of Western Region, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay – Minister of Trade and Industry, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai – Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Major General (Rtd.) David Tamba Ocil Taluva – Minister of Internal Affairs, Melrose A. Karminty – Minister of Social Welfare, Amara Kallon – Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs  and Ambassador B. Wurie – Resident Minister North-West

Parliament also, on Thursday, July 27, 2023, debated and approved with unanimous support the Second Report of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, led by Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business.

The approval granted official endorsement to twenty-nine distinguished presidential nominees, who have been selected to serve in crucial Government positions:

Chernor A. Bah – Minister of Information and Civic Education, Gbessay Jusu Ngobeh – Resident Minister East, Julius Daniel Mattai – Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Ambassador Tamba John, Sylvanus Lamina – Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, MS. Kenyeh Barllay – Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Mohamed Rahman Swaray – Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Conrad Sackey – Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr Turad Senesie – Minister of Lands and Country Planning, Mohamed E. K. Alie – Resident Minister South, Amara Brewah – Director General, National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA), Augusta James Teima – Minister of Sports,  Jeneba J. Bangura – Deputy Minister 1( Ministry of Finance),Alpha Sesay Esq – Deputy Minister of Justice, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara – Deputy Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Madam Fatmata Wurie – Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bockarie Kalokoh – Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Finance, Brima Ibrahim Swarray – Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority (NRA), Philip Tetema Tondoneh – Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy – Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Isata Mahoi – Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs ,Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha – Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Health, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. – Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission, Madam Salamatu Bah Esq. – Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Keketoma Sandy Esq. – Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Dr. Prince Alex Harding – Commissioner/Chairman (Cabinet Rank), National Commission for Privatization (NCP), Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina – Commissioner, National Commission for Social Action,  Abu Abu Koroma – Resident Minister North,
Ing. Francis Alphan Kallon – Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Patrick Gibrilla – Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

During the parliamentary sessions, the Presidential nominees underwent rigorous interviews, where their educational backgrounds, work experience, public service track records, asset declarations, tax obligations, and vision for the nation were thoroughly evaluated.

Both the Leader and Deputy Leader of Government Business 1, Hon. Mathew Nyuma and  Hon. Bashiru Silikie respectively expressed appreciation to President Bio for selecting highly qualified Sierra Leoneans to hold these significant positions and encouraged the appointees to contribute diligently to the country’s development. He emphasized the importance of aligning their actions with the President’s policies and agenda.

Numerous Members of Parliament from various districts also offered their congratulations and support to the newly appointed officials. They highlighted the importance of their roles in the nation’s progress and urged them to work diligently for the betterment of Sierra Leone.

The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, praised the nominees’ qualifications and urged them to prioritize education as a key driver of national development. He specifically acknowledged the exceptional experience and qualities of Dr. Prince Harding, referring to him as “the Political Chemist.”

With the parliamentary approval, the Ministers will officially commence their duties after subscribing to the oath of office before President Bio, as stipulated in Section 57 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991).
Now that Parliament has unanimously approval, the nation looks forward to their effective and dedicated service as they work towards the advancement of Sierra Leone and its citizens.

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