The Fourteenth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, was on Thursday 17 July 2025, approved by Parliament, containing ten (10) Presidential Nominees.
The following Presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
- Mrs. Francess Aina Mildred Nyuma – Executive Director National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre
- Mr. David Fortune – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs
- Mr. Paul Hingha Augustine Charles Tucker – Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation
- Mr. Alex Pat Labib Saffa – Electoral Commissioner for East
- Mr. Abdul Aziz – Auditor General, Audit Services, Sierra Leone
- Mr. Alfred Wonneh Basith Sama – Deputy Governor Bank of Sierra Leone
- Dr. Michael Johnny Chairman Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust(NASSIT)
- PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie II – Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO)
- Ms. Sally Yeama Myers – Member, Board of Directors Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and
- Mrs. Nancy Veronica Ann Smart – Member, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
Presenting the Nominees to the plenary, the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, told Members of Parliament that the aforesaid nominees were interviewed on Wednesday, 17th July 2025, at the Committee Room One of Parliament Building at Tower Hill in Freetown.
According to the Deputy Leader of Government Business, the Nominees were interviewed under oath on issues pertaining to experiences gained over the years and track records. He said they probed into other requirements, which include tax obligations, asset declaration, and vision for productive tenure of their appointments. He also told colleague Members of Parliament that other matters were critically looked into. The Deputy Leader of Government Business stated that the report reflects the unanimous views of the committee.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, said the appointment of the nominees reflects the deliberate commitment of President Bio in strengthening democratic institutions. He continued by commending the government for gender inclusive appointments. Hon. Emerson Lamina appealed to the nominees to show great leadership in their respective positions.
He emphatically cautioned deputies to work hard to support the substantive ministers, and that they should work hand in glove to ensure the progress and development of Sierra Leone.
The Chief Whip of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District, began his submission with the nominee from the National Early Warning Mechanism Centre, furthering that the institution is essential in preventing disasters in the country. He continued that most of the time, there are clear signs and early warnings of disasters, but the warnings are often ignored. He added that consultation in appointing electoral commissioners is key for national cohesion, and the opposition is simply asking for the government to be including the opposition in certain decisions for peace and tranquillity of the state. He commended the Auditor General for professional and excellent work in auditing institutions across Sierra Leone. He emphasized that if regions and tribes determine employment in any country, then that nation is bound to fail.
Rounding up the debate on the side of the opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo began by reading a position paper of the Opposition regarding one of the nominees going to the Electoral Commission as Electoral Commissioner for Western Region. He said the opposition is objecting and rejecting the appointment of the Electoral Commissioner, referencing subsetion 3 of section 32 (Act No 6) of the 1991 Constitution. He said the President did not consult the All People’s Congress Party, as enshrined in the 1991 constitution.
Speaking on the other appointees, he specifically singled out the nominee going to the National Early warning Mechanism Centre and lavished praises on her that she is highly experienced and qualified for the job. He encouraged other nominees to tirelessly work for the development of Sierra Leone. “please all nominees go and represent Sierra Leone well in your respective offices.” he admonished.
He called on colleague MPs to expeditiously approve the nominees, with the exception of the appointee going as Electoral Commissioner for Eastern Region.
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business,Hon. Bashiru Silikie, said the issues raised particularly by the Opposition Whip would be looked into by the government bench. He continued by thanking President Bio for the various appointments, and encouraged the nominees to go and work in the interest of all Sierra Leoneans. He said the deputies should be submissive and work together with the substantive heads to ensure effective performance at their respective institutions. He specifically praised the nominee going to the National Early Warning mechanism Centre, adding that the institution should work tirelessly to ensure Early warnings are addressed in order to prevent possible disasters in the future. He furthered that after series of investigation, it was discovered that the offer letter given to the Electoral Commissioner East was on contract basis and that the he was never a permanent worker at ECSL, which according to him exclude the nominee in the category of a public officer.”A contract worker is not entitled to certain benefits and he or she is not a public officer,”he affirms. He also refuted claims made by the Opposition Leader that consultation letters were sent to all political parties, including the Chairman of the All People’s Congress party.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
Parliament of Sierra Leone