Parliament Approves Six Presidential Nominees
By Desmond Isaac Macauley
On Tuesday 5th August 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone unanimously approved six presidential nominees following the presentation of the Fifteenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service. The report was presented by the Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma who also chairs the Committee.
Ms. Janneh Jabati, Deputy Minister of Finance II; Mr. Emmanuel Sahr Tondeneh, Ombudsman; Mr. Mustapha Mark Lissa, Commissioner National Shipping Agency; Mr. Joseph Maada Lahai, Commissioner National Youth Commission; Mr. Alfred Malthus Kobba, Deputy Director General National Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Haja Kadie Johnson, Member Sierra Leone Roads Authority.
Hon. Nyuma informed Members of Parliament that the nominees were interviewed on Friday 1st August 2025 in Committee Room No. 1 in Parliament.
He stated that the interviews were conducted under oath and covered issues relating to the nominees’ experience, track record, tax obligations, asset declarations, and their vision for a productive tenure. He emphasized that the committee thoroughly examined all relevant matters and the report reflected the unanimous approval of its members.
Deputy Leader 2 of the Opposition Hon. Aruna Aaron Koroma of Tonkolili District confirmed his participation in the vetting process and assured Parliament of the nominees’ qualifications. He specifically praised the nomination of Ms. Janneh Jabati, noting her years of experience in the economic sector and her capacity to enhance Sierra Leone’s financial management.
He further urged for adequate and timely disbursement of resources to MDAs, cautioning that delays could hinder the effectiveness of public institutions.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo, stressed that the new appointees must deliver results that benefit the people of Sierra Leone.
He also called for more innovative projects to replace the outdated youth initiatives, such as car wash schemes. Additionally, he raised concern over the growing impact of drug abuse, particularly the use of ‘kush’, which he said affects young people across political divides.
In his closing statement, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma reaffirmed that the nominees were selected based on merit, competence, and their ability to serve the people of Sierra Leone effectively. He further commends President Julius Maada Bio for promoting gender inclusion in governance.
He concluded by urging Members of Parliament to continue working together for the peace, progress, and development of Sierra Leone.
