President Bio Recognizes Genuine National Service
Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Khan, has assured Sierra Leoneans that the recently announced Special Envoy appointments will not increase the national wage bill. Speaking on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, during the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show, Alhaji Alpha Khan described the move as a deliberate strategy by President Julius Maada Bio to advance the country’s development agenda.
The President’s appointment of four Special Envoys has generated broad public discussion, with many citizens praising the recognition of dedication and service, while others questioned its timing and necessity. Addressing the concerns, Alhaji Alpha Khan clarified that the appointments were purely honorary and voluntary, designed to harness personal influence and networks for the country’s benefit.
“These are not jobs, rewards or political paybacks,” Alhaji Alpha Khan stressed. “They are honorary roles that do not add to the Government’s wage bill. Instead, they rely on goodwill, personal resources and international connections to attract investment, tourism and infrastructure opportunities for Sierra Leone.”
Alhaji Alpha Khan singled out businessman, Faissal D. Antar, citing his longstanding record of humanitarian and development contributions. He recalled Faissal Antar’s renovation of the 34 Military Hospital, donation of an X-ray machine, support for school and mosque construction and critical financial assistance during the Ebola outbreak, when he pre-financed emergency supplies for Government.
“These are people who act out of genuine commitment to Sierra Leone, not those waiting for recognition,” Alhaji Alpha Khan said, noting that the Antar family has for decades invested in communities, health and education, particularly in Port Loko District.
Responding to criticisms that the appointments favored individuals of Lebanese descent, Alhaji Alpha Khan dismissed the claims as unfair and divisive.
“Sierra Leone should not judge patriotism by surname or ethnicity,” he emphasized. “The Antars are Sierra Leoneans through their sacrifice, service and integration into our society. Their contributions to health, education and community development speak louder than ancestry.”
Alhaji Alpha Khan further clarified that the envoy roles do not come with diplomatic privileges, financial incentives or travel perks. “This is not about personal gain,” he maintained. “It is about opening doors for Sierra Leone on the global stage.”
Supporting Alhaji Alpha Khan’s stance, State House Communications Director, Myk Berew, posted on Facebook that the envoy positions carry only credentials and no paychecks. Similarly, communications expert, Sheku Putka Kamara, welcomed the initiative, describing it as both practical and timely.
“In a country with limited resources, honorary envoys who use personal networks to attract investment are an asset,” Sheku Putka Kamara said. “Across the world, trusted individuals are appointed to such roles, and what matters most is their ability to deliver, not their surname.”
A political commentator also applauded the President’s decision, describing it as commendable. “Any Sierra Leonean contributing to national growth deserves recognition,” he noted. “Today it is the Antars; tomorrow it could be others. What matters is patriotism and impact.”
Concluding his remarks, he appealed to the public to support the President’s vision. “President Bio is sending a clear message: those who contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone will be recognized, regardless of their background. This is not a reward, but a call to serve even more,” he said.