The Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma has, on Tuesday 20 January 2026, debated and approved by Parliament for the development of Sierra Leone.
The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
1. Mrs. Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson, Member, Board of Directors Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency
2. Ms. Fatmata Deveh Khellah, Member, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank
3. Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, Executive Director, National Protected Area Authority (NPPA)
4. Mr. Leslie Gordon Brown, Member, Board of Trustees National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and
5. Ms. Mumunatu Kadi Sawi, Member, Board of Directors, Produce Monitoring Board.
Presenting the nominees to the plenary, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma explained to Members of Parliament how the aforesaid nominees were interviewed.
According to the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, the nominees were interviewed under oath and examined on issues pertaining to experiences gained over the years and track records.
The Leader said they also probed into other issues, which include tax obligations, asset declaration, and vision for a nationally productive tenure of their appointments.
He proceeded by telling colleague Members of Parliament that other matters regarding the nominees were critically looked into. Hon. Nyuma stated that the Report reflects the unanimous views of the Committee.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of Government Business 1, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, whilst contributing to debate, wished the House a prosperous 2026. He encouraged the nominees to embrace the wishes of the President by prioritizing performance and delivery for the people of Sierra Leone.
’’Take this opportunity to serve the people diligently’’, he said. He singled out and described one of the nominees, Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, as a man committed and devoted to the development and growth of Sierra Leone. He admonished all nominees, particularly the Board Member to NASSIT, for more progress in the labour sector.
Hon. Yusuf Machery, representing Bo District, admonished the nominee to NPAA to focus on reforming the institution. He mentioned leadership challenges that have existed in the institution for years. He encouraged the new executive director to indoctrinate and maintain discipline in the institution.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, representing Kambia District, stated that despite the establishment and existence of certain MDAs such as, EPA, and NPAA, there are still major environmental challenges across the country.
He admonished the nominee going to NASSIT to reduce the too much burden faced by the people in the labour sector by establishing an automated system. He said there is a high need for Commercial Bank to establish branches to district headquarters towns across the country as one of the only government commeecial banks in the country.
The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, representing Pujehun District, said the nominees must, at all times, prioritize the interests of the nation.
He described one of the nominees, called Sheikh Tunis, as hardworking, diligent, and devoted to his job. He assured the House of having full confidence in all the nominees and expressed hope that they would work for the growth and development of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo, representing Pujehun District, expressed satisfaction over the appointment of more women by the President. She stated that most of the women appointed are experienced and that she believed they would always deliver when given the opportunity.
She concluded by encouraging all the appointees, particularly the female appointees, to be committed to their respective responsibilities.
Hon. Bash Kamara, representing Bo District, predicated his debate on thematic areas and stated that much has not been done by NASSIT, and that much needs to be done by the institution. ‘
’Go and tell the other board members that NASSIT should leave business in the hands of the public sector and that they are performing poorly in the business sector’’, he said. He admonished the nominees to place more emphasis on working for Sierra Leoneans.
Rounding the debate on the side of the opposition, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo narrated the recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, emphasizing on the need for teamwork for the growth of Africa.
‘’Regardless of thr academic qualifications of the nominees, if you are not working together, you will not succeed‘’, he said. Hon. Abdul Kargbo admonished the nominees to work together assiduously for national development. He said that Parliament has the responsibility to examine the track records of the nominees before approval.
Concluding the debate on the side of the government, the Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said the nominees were scrutinized and could confirm and attest the requirements and proficiencies of the nominees appointed by H.E President Julius Maada Bio as true and proper.
He joined colleague MPs to approve the and nominees and extended appreciation to the President for the appointment of more women to various positions of trust. Hon Lamina encouraged the nominees to display effective leadership in their respective institutions.
‘’I encourage you all to carry transformational leadership to your various offices’’. He ended by encouraging all the nominees to work diligently for the development of Sierra Leone.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone
