By: Aminata Sesay
Parliament has officially approved a slate of presidential nominees to leadership positions within several major public institutions, following a unanimous recommendation from the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service. The move marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance institutional governance and service delivery across Sierra Leone.
Approved Appointments:
Mr. Abu Bockarie Kokofele – Director General, National Social Protection Authority
Mr. Prince Bernard Comatech Cotay – Member, Statistics Sierra Leone Council
Mr. Mohamed Kpana-Gbato Kemokai – Member, Statistics Sierra Leone Council
Mr. Alhaji Alie Badara Yillah – Member, Statistics Sierra Leone Council
Mr. Prince Terenah Quee – Member, Statistics Sierra Leone Council
Mr. Kalie Sallue Samura – Member, Statistics Sierra Leone Council
Mr. Brima Baluwa Koroma – Director General, National Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Mr. Michael Hallie Kendoh – Chairman, National Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Mr. Brima Abdulai Sheriff – Chairman, National Commission for Persons with Disability
Mr. Josiah Murphy Kargobai – Member, Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO)
During the session, Members of Parliament engaged in robust debate, emphasizing the importance of accountability, technical competence, and inclusive leadership among the new appointees.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, presented the Committee’s report and praised the rigorous vetting process. “These individuals bring diverse expertise in statistics, petroleum regulation, public safety, and human resource management, which will be invaluable to the institutions they serve,” he stated.
Several MPs commended President Julius Maada Bio for nominating what was described as a “distinguished group” of professionals. However, caution was also expressed. Hon. Bashiru Silikie reminded the appointees:
“If they fail, they don’t just fail themselves they fail the people of Sierra Leone and the Members of Parliament who approved them.”
Hon. Emerson Lamin highlighted the technical qualifications of nominees like Mr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, commending his leadership at the Petroleum Regulatory Agency and the Social Protection Authority. He also urged stronger enforcement of zoning regulations around fuel stations to protect public safety.
Transparency and public accountability were recurring themes. Hon. Zombo warned that public offices are not private estates and called on the appointees to prioritize openness, accessibility, and community engagement. The significance of the petroleum sector was also underscored, with MPs warning of the economic ripple effects of fuel pricing.
Youth representation and inclusivity were widely applauded. Hon. Tengbeh praised the appointments of Mr. Mohamed Kpana-Gbato Kemokai and Mr. Abu Bockarie Kokofele, recognizing their backgrounds in community mobilization and child protection, respectively. She reminded Mr. Kokofele of his obligations under the recently enacted Social Protection Act 2025 to ensure equitable access to support services across the country.
There was strong cross-party consensus, with MPs broadly describing the appointees as “fit for purpose” and capable of driving forward institutional reforms. The debates reflected a united parliamentary commitment to ethical leadership, improved service delivery, and restoring public trust in government bodies.
Now that formal approval has been granted, expectations are high that the newly appointed officials will translate their credentials and experience into meaningful, measurable outcomes for Sierra Leone’s development.