FREETOWN, 21 August 2026 – Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved 12 presidential nominees, including Mr. Karefa Ansumana Francis Kargbo as the new Minister of Finance, following the First Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service.
The Committee, chaired by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, presented the report after interviewing the nominees under oath in Committee Room One at Parliament Building, Tower Hill. Members examined their experience, track records, tax obligations, asset declarations, and visions for the offices they will hold.
The approved nominees are:
1. Mr. Karefa Ansumana Francis Kargbo – Minister of Finance
2. Mr. Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq. – Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security
3. Mr. Abu M. Kanneh – Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority
4. Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Mr. Foday Musa Fofana – Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources
6. Dr. Steven A. Jusu – Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Energy
7. Professor Foday Moriba Jaward – Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Qatar
8. Dr. Prince Alex Harding – Chairman, State Owned Enterprises Commission
9. Ms. Safura Bintu Rogers – Executive Secretary, State Owned Enterprises Commission
10. Professor Gibrilla Fadlu Deen – Chairman, Board of Directors
11. Mr. Prince Bull Luseni – Executive Director, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
12. Dr. Sartie Mohammed Kenneh – Chairman, National Public Health Agency
Hon. Nyuma told the House the report reflected the unanimous views of the Committee.
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara seconded the motion, describing the new Minister of Labour as “hardworking and courageous.” He urged the incoming Finance Minister to strengthen economic policies and boost revenue mobilisation.
Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie called on the nominees to work diligently and not disappoint President Julius Maada Bio’s government. He praised Dr. Prince Alex Harding as “courageous and determined.”
Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie of the opposition thanked the President for the appointments and highlighted Mrs. Jeneba Bangura’s record of diligent service.
Several MPs focused on the critical role of the Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Authority. Hon. P.C. Desmond Kargobai (Bo District) appealed for timely disbursement of funds to local councils. Hon. Mustapha Sellu (Moyamba District) stressed the need for stronger domestic revenue generation, particularly through GST.
Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, Deputy Leader 1 of the Opposition, expressed disappointment at the limited number of women appointed and insisted that “revenue must exceed expenditure.”
Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, welcomed the appointments but raised concerns about outstanding tax liabilities and the poor state of government schools and public infrastructure. Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma urged the new NRA Commissioner to prioritise performance and reforms, while also calling for better management of State-Owned Enterprises.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo endorsed Umaru Napoleon Koroma as “competent, well-educated and composed,” and called on all politicians to put Sierra Leone above partisan interests.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Nyuma emphasised the central importance of the Finance Ministry and NRA to the country’s economic management. He also clarified the 30% women’s representation provision under the GEWE Act 2022, distinguishing between electoral quotas and executive appointments. He urged the new appointees to place the interests of ordinary Sierra Leoneans at the centre of their work.
Presiding Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh charged the nominees to serve diligently for the advancement and development of the nation.
The approvals clear the way for the new officials to assume their positions and begin work.
