By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has announced a major cabinet reshuffle after been re-elected for a second term following a controversial election on June 24, 2023.
President Bio appointed Dr David Moinina Sengeh as Chief Minister, replacing Jacob Jusu Saffa, an astute and strong supporter of the President.
Sengeh has received both local and international accolade for the reforms he had brough to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. He is succeeded by Conrad Sackey, a newcomer to cabinet.
Haja Dr. Ramatulaye Wurie has been appointed Minister of Technical and Higher Education, replacing her uncle Dr. Alpha Wurie, a veteran politician. She is the daughter of the elder brother of Dr. Alpha Wurie.
The former Minister of Mines, Timothy Musa Kabba was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He replaces Prof. David Francis.
Julius Mattai is appointed Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. He was the head of the National Minerals Agency (NMA).
Francess Piagie Alghali is appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, replacind Ms. Mamadi Gobeh Kamara.
Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Finance Minister, retain their positions.
Ibrahim Alpha Sesay is the new Minister of Trade and Industry, replacing Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, while Fatmata Wurie is the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
Sarjoh Aziz Kamara is the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education.
Ms. Manty Tarawali, former Minister of Gender, is reassigned to the Office of Vice President as State Minister.
Jeneba Bangura, former Deputy Director General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), is now Deputy Minister of Finance 1, while Bockarie Kalokoh is the Deputy Minister 2.
Umaru Napoleun Koroma former deputy Ministry of Justice is Deputy Minister to the Mines and Mineral Resources.
Mrs Emily K. Gogra and Mrs Mamusu Massaquoi both retained their positions as Deputy Ministers 1 and 2 in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.
The biggest names missing in the new cabinet include Jacob Jusu Saffa, Prof. David Francis, and Dr Alpha Wurie.
Other appointments made by the President include Mr. Mathew Dingie, the new financial secretary, replacing Sahr Jusu; Mr Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General Sierra Leone Ports Authority; Mr. Brima Swarray, Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority; and Mr. Amara Brewah, Director General, National Communications Authority, among others.
Some of the appointments are subject to parliamentary approval.