The Fifteenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma has on Tuesday 5 August 2025 approved by Parliament containing six (6) presidential nominees for the development of Sierra Leone.
The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
1. Ms. Janneh Jabati,Deputy Minister of Finance 2
2. Mr. Emmanuel Sahr Tondeneh,Ombudsman
3. Mr. Mustapha Mark Lissa,Commissioner,National Shipping Agency
4. Mr. Joseph Maada Lahai,Commissioner,National Youths Commission
5. Mr. Alfred Malthus Kobba,Deputy Director General,National Petroleum Regulatory Authority
6. Haja Kadie Johnson,Member,Sierra Leone Roads Authority
Presenting the Nominees to the plenary, the Majority Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma told Members of Parliament that the aforesaid nominees were interviewed on Friday, 1st August 2025, at the Committee Room One of Parliament Building Tower Hill in Freetown.
According to the Majority Leader of Government Business, the Nominees were interviewed under oaths and issues pertaining to experiences gained over the years and track records. He said they probbed into other requirements, which include tax obligations, asset declaration, and vision for productive tenure of their appointments. He proceeded by telling colleague members of Parliament that other matters regarding the nominees were critically looked into. The Majority Leader of Government Business stated that the Report reflects the unanimous views of the committee.
Seconding the motion,the Deputy Leader 2 of Opposition, Hon. Aruna Aaron Koroma from Tonkolili District said he was part of the Committee that veted the nominees and assured the Plenary that the nominees are fully qualified to act in their respective positions. On the nominee going to the Ministry of MP added that having a woman with dozens of years in the economic sector is more than competent to improve the financial sector in Sierra Leone. “Please ensure that MDA’s in charge of services are given adequate resources and timely disbursement to enhance their operations,”he said. The MP said any delay in the disbursement of funding will affect the effectiveness of public institutions. He encourages the ombudsman to tirelessly and justly work for the people of Sierra Leone referencing section 146 of the 1991 Constitution. He underscored the amendment of the Ombudsman Act in order to ensure effectiveness in the institution. He ended by calling on all nominees to deliver for the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Umu Pyne from Moyamba District, in her contribution to the debate, said President Bio has always been committed to promoting gender by giving major appointments to women in Sierra Leone. She continued that all the nominees are qualify,she encourages female nominees to prioritize women in their respective positions. Hon. Pyne requested the nominee going to SLRSA to highly consider the rehabilitation of the road helding in Parliament.
Rounding the debate, the Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo vehemently stated that those appointed in positions are supposed to improve the lives of the people and that there should be no excuse but to deliver. He said 60% of the entire population in Sierra Leone constitutes young people and that youth should be giving more opportunities to improve their wellbeing in light of development. He said Sierra Leone should move from car wash to more innovative projects in order to create more empowerment for young people in Sierra Leone. Hon.Kargbo narrated the consequences of drugs, particularly ‘kush’ in the lives of many young people in Sierra Leone. “Victims of drugs are from all political parties, and some of them are relatives of Members of Parliament,” he said. On the ombudsman office,Hon. Kargbo said there is inadequate funding at the office, which is highly affecting its operations. He encourages the government to pay high attention with adequate funding for more efficiency in the office of the ombudsman. He said the competence of the nominees is not being question,he however admonished all nominees to ensure an effective performance for the betterment of Sierra Leone.
Concluding the debate on the side of the government,the Majority and Leader of government business,Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma said the nominees were nominated based on qualifications and competence to work for the people of Sierra Leone. He said President Julius Maada Bio has given opportunities to hundreds of women in society than all other Presidents in the history of Sierra Leone. He remphasized the commitment of President Bio and that the price of certain commodities such as rice,fuel, and other food items have drastically reduced throughout the country. “For over 10 years,we have not got a single inflation in Sierra Leone only now we have it,” Hon. Nyuma stated. He encouraged colleague Members of Parliament to work for the progress and development of Sierra Leone. Hon. Nyuma concluded by admonishing all nominees to prioritize the development of the country and that their appointment is to work and ensure President Bio succeeds in his service to the people of Sierra Leone. He ended by reminding the nominees about section 62 of the 1991 Constitution, which gives the President power to hire and fire.
In another development also, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 05/08/2025 debated and ratified the following agreements:
1. Addendum No. 1 to the Concession Agreement Bulk and Break – Bulk Terminal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay Dated 28th November 2017( “Concession Agreement “)By and among Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority (SLPHA) and the Government of Sierra Leone: Represented by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (GOSL) and the National Commission For Privatisation (NCP), an Agency of the Government of Sierra Leone and Nectar Group Limited(NGL) Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal Ltd (NSBT) Dated the 3rd of June,2025.
2. Amendment Number 2 to the license Agreement Bulk and Break-Bulk Terminal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay Container Terminal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay by and among Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (“The Authority”) and The Government of Sierra Leone (“GOSL”) and National Comission for privatisation (“NCP”) and Africa Global Logistics (The Sponsor”) and Freetown Terminal Limited (The “Concessionaire) Dated 4th Day of June 2025
3. Addendum Number 5 to the Concession Agreement Container Terminal at Queen Elizabeth ii Quay by and among Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (The “Authoriry “) and the Government of Sierra Leone (The “GOSL”) and National Commission for Privatisation(“NCP”) and Africa Global Logististic (“The Sponsor”) and Freetown Terminal Limited (“Concessionaire”) dated the 6th Day of June 2025.
Legislators debated the Agreements and unanimously ratified it for the growth and development of Sierra Leone.
