Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 04 August 2026 debated and approved the Tenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, Chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, confirming seven Presidential nominees to various state positions.
The following Presiddntail Nominees were approved by Parliamrnt:
1. Ms. Isata Marah – Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Finance
2. Ms. Jenneh Jabati – Chairperson, Board of Trustees, NASSIT
3. Dr. Isata Kamanda – Deputy Minister 1, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
4. Ing. Bryan B. Smart Kanu – Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
5. Mr. Ahmid Chernor Jalloh – Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Conservation Trust Fund
6. Mr. Alusine Kamara – Member, Professional Social Work Regulatory Council
7. Mr. Chernoh Mahmoud Jalloh – Director General, NASSIT
Presenting the Report, the Leader of Government Business Hon. Sahr Matthew Nyuma who also chairman of the Appointments and Public Service Committee, said the Committee met on Thursday 30th July 2026 and interviewed all seven nominees.
He noted that the Committee followed established procedures and questioned nominees on experience in state governance, education, track record, declared assets, tax obligations, and vision for their designated positions.
Seconding the motion. Deputy Leader 2 of Opposition Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma Seconded the motion, predicating his debate on the President’s constitutional mandate. He singled out Ing. Bryan Smart Kanu, thanked H.E. President Bio for appointing “his kinsmen” from Tonkolili, and recalled previous high-level appointments from the district. He appealed for more appointments for Tonkolili District and used the opportunity to call on government not to “kill” Union Trust Bank, describing it as an indigenous bank.
He described Ing. Kanu as qualified and urged him to serve farmers irrespective of political affiliation. He also commended Dr. Isata Kamanda for professionalism and urged her to focus on research and agriculture. On Mr. Chernoh Mahmoud Jalloh, he cited “excellence” and a strong academic background, and urged him to emulate his predecessors at NASSIT.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader 2 of Government, noted that all nominees were competent and highlighted President Bio’s generosity to Tonkolili, including the renovation of Magburaka Boys School and benefits from mining transparency such as surface rent.
He applauded youth and gender representation among nominees, saying it can be showcased beyond Sierra Leone. He described Mr. Ahmid Jalloh as a “rising star” whose appointment would attract more investment to Kono.
Rounding up the debate, Leader of the Opposition. Hon. Abdul Kargbo described the moment as “critical” and told nominees “the battle starts now.” He urged them to serve in the best interest of the State and not disappoint the people.
He spoke well of some nominees, citing performance, resume and integrity, with reference to Chernoh Mahmoud Jalloh and Mohamed Orman Bangura, Deputy DG of NASSIT. He linked his argument to national cohesion, recalling the FBC incident.
He called on Mr. Ahmid Jalloh to leverage his youthful age to attract more youth appointments and ensure Sierra Leone benefits from carbon credit funds like other countries. He assured nominees of retention in office when the APC comes to power if they work diligently.
Concluding,
Hon. Sahr Matthew Nyuma underscored gender empowerment under the current government, noting women have been appointed to high-profile state positions. He thanked the predecessor of NASSIT and wished all nominees well, describing them as professionals.
In his felicitation, the Speaker of Parlaiment, the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas congratulated the nominees on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone and wished them well.
Credit: Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone
