Outgoing Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda-Noah has on Tuesday 1st August 2023 handed over office to the newly appointed Minister of Internal Affairs Major General (Rtd) David T.O. Taluva at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Gloucester Street in Freetown.
The ceremony which was steered by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mohamed Sheick Kargbo was witnessed by staff of the Ministry and heads of Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Kargbo said as tradition demands, it is important for a smooth handover ceremony, in order for the incoming Minister to receive the handover report from the outgoing Minister.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing Minister Mr. David Panda-Noah for his outstanding leadership skills in transforming the Ministry, and called on staff to welcome with open hands the change in the leadership of the Ministry and work deligently to further transform the Ministry to a higher height.
Delivering his farewell statement, the outgoing Minister Mr.David Panda-Noah expressed profound thanks and appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for entrusting in him the honour to serve the Country as the Minister of Internal Affairs.
He said he felt fulfilled handing over a Ministry that had gone through transformation, during his tenure.
He recalled that he took up appointment in 2020 and after three years he is handing over the baton to his successor feeling well fulfilled.
The Minister highlighted the many goals the Ministry achieved with support from dedicated and result-oriented staff as well as Agencies under the Ministry’s supervision, which he noted further improved the working relationship between the Ministry and its Agencies.
He further updated the incoming Minister about the roles and responsibilities of both the Ministry and its Agencies, this, he continued, yielded a lot of outputs, enabling staff to be more resourceful and efficient in discharging duties. He maintained that despite the numerous achievements, a lot needs to be done.
Taluva said that he appreciated the unwavering commitment and support of the Deputy Minister, Lahai Lawrence Leema, the Permanent Secretary, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, the Deputy Secretary, Usman Banya including heads of Agencies and staff of the Ministry during his tenure.
He then appealed to the incoming Minister Maj.Gen.(Rtd) David T.O. Taluva to lobby for more resources to address the remaining challenges in the Ministry and further encouraged heads of Agenceies and staff to work with the new Minister as their support and contributions are very crucial in achieving the Ministry’s goal.
During the ceremony, several statements were delivered by heads of Agencies, who applauded and acknowledged the humane qualities of the outgoing Minister Mr. David Panda-Noah and recognised his overflowing energy. For them, he was a leader rather than a boss. They however, wholeheartedly welcomed the incoming Minister, Maj. Gen. Rtd. David T.O. Taluva and pledged their continous support and commitment in making his work a success.
Mr. Amadu Mannah the Senior Technical Adviser of the Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude to the outgoing Minister Mr. David Panda-Noah on behalf of the Ministry for his humility, overwhelming support, direction and generous show of concern during his tenure. He therefore heartily welcomed the new Minister, and assured him of their support to achieve a lot more in his new endeavours to restore the dignity of the Ministry.
Receiving the Handover Note, Maj. Gen (Rtd) David T.O. Taluva, who is now the Minister of Internal Affairs, stated that he was aware of the numerous challenges of the Ministry, but he is determined and ready to make a difference to address the challenges.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Taluva described the Ministry’s task as huge and critical, adding that he is a disciplinarian and result-oriented personality when it comes to work, and he believes in team work.
He emphasised, that he expected to receive maximum cooperation and support from staff and the Ministry’s Agencies in order to take the Ministry to a higher level, while also noting that the Ministry is key and strategic in the maintenance of law and order, security and peace within communities and the Country as a whole.
“Let us be very professional and leave politics behind when it comes to service delivery”, Minister Taluva stated. He further stressed the need for effective communication and collaboration, as a means of ensuring a safe and secured Sierra Leone.
Minister Taluva dwelt more on fixing the problems of Internal security, which touches on the lives of every citizen, citing that the absence of law and order will put the lives of citizens at risk.
He noted that Government has the responsibility to turn the situation around and citizen’s expectations are very high.
The Minister concluded by assuring staff, the Ministry’s Agencies and the public that the Ministry will be recognised among other security institutions around the World, delivering the required services that the public deserved.
