Freetown,
On March 17, 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone announced the immediate dismissal of three senior officials by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. A public notice from State House, signed by Secretary to the President, Emmanuel A.R. Gaima, confirmed that Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs; Moriba Koroma, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs; and Ahmed Saybom Kanu, Managing Director of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company, have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
The notice did not specify the reasons for their dismissal, leaving room for speculation about the motivation behind the decision. Political observers suggest that this move could be part of a broader government restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, reinforcing accountability, or addressing performance-related concerns within key institutions. The sudden nature of the dismissals has generated significant public interest, with many questioning whether this signals a shift in the Bio administration’s governance approach.
President Bio has made governance reforms a central pillar of his leadership, often emphasizing the need for accountability and effective service delivery. His administration has previously undertaken similar actions to address issues within government ministries and state-owned enterprises. The latest dismissals may be another step in this ongoing effort, although no official statement has clarified whether additional changes should be expected.
The removal of the Minister of Youth Affairs comes at a time when the country is grappling with high youth unemployment and increasing demands for job creation and empowerment programs. Similarly, the dismissal of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs could indicate concerns related to security management, law enforcement efficiency, or internal administration. The Sierra Leone National Shipping Company, a key player in the country’s maritime sector, has also faced scrutiny in recent months regarding operational challenges, which could have influenced the decision to remove its Managing Director.
While speculation continues, the government has yet to announce replacements for the dismissed officials. It is expected that new appointments will be made in the coming days to ensure continuity in governance and service delivery. Meanwhile, political analysts and citizens alike will be closely watching for further developments and potential shifts in policy direction following these high-profile dismissals.