By Sallieu S. Kanu
President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday, July 15, 2023, appointed the leader of the Nation Grand Coalition (NGC) party, Alhaji Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) as the Chairman, Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security.
His appointment came following the re-election of President Bio for a second term after a controversial election on June 24.
Dr Yumkella has accepted the appointment. “I thank the President for his trust and confidence in my abilities and will do my very best to achieve his vision of a more progressive, prosperous and inclusive Sierra Leone,” he said in his tweet following his appointment.
“Together, let’s promote eco-innovation, create a greener and sustainable future for all, including the blue-economy. The ProgressiveAlliance stands ready to support your vision for a greener and more secure future for all Sierra Leoneans.”
Many political observers have described KKY’s appointment as a compensation for forming an alliance with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) few months to the elections. Through the alliance, the NGC lend its support to the SLPP presidential candidate Dr Julius Maada Bio who won the election.
‘Progressive Alliance for National Development’ was formed on April 23, 2023.
Speaking at the official launch of the alliance, Honorable Kandeh Yumkella, said the formation of the alliance came as a result of the shared vision of both parties for the nation.
“Today marks a historic day in Sierra Leone as the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the National Grand Coalition (NGC) come together to form the Progressive Alliance. This decision demonstrates our unwavering dedication to placing the interests of our nation first and collaborating to create a brighter future and more prosperous future for all our people,” Hon. Yumkella said.
Dr. Yumkella was best-known for his post as Under-Secretary-General and as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. He was also CEO of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. Yumkella has worked in the field of international development for over 20 years. After studying agriculture in Sierra Leone and agricultural economics in the United States, Yumkella took various posts related to agriculture and economy, in both the private and public sector. In addition to serving as the Minister of Trade, Industry and State Enterprises in Sierra Leone, he has held academic positions at American universities and various key policy positions within UNIDO. Yumkella is regularly called upon by experts for his opinions on foreign and domestic policy as well as themes of international cooperation.