By: Foday Moriba Conteh
President Julius Maada Bio’s recent appointment of four Special Envoys has sparked public debate in Sierra Leone, with citizens expressing mixed opinions about the move. While some critics have questioned the timing and relevance of the appointments, the Government of Sierra Leone, through Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Khan, has defended the decision, calling it a bold and strategic step to accelerate the country’s development agenda.
Speaking on the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, Spokesman Khan explained that the appointments should be seen as recognition of the individuals’ “commitment, sacrifice, and proven service” to Sierra Leone.
“These are not jobs, rewards, or political paybacks,” Khan emphasized. “These are voluntary, honorary positions that do not add to the government’s wage bill. Instead, they leverage personal resources, networks, and goodwill to attract investment, tourism, and infrastructure opportunities for Sierra Leone.”
Khan highlighted the significant humanitarian and development support provided by businessman Faissal D. Antar, one of the newly appointed Special Envoys. He pointed out that Faissal’s contributions include the renovation of the 34 Military Hospital, the donation of an X-ray machine, school construction, mosque rehabilitation, and crucial financial support during the Ebola outbreak. Antar also pre-financed emergency supplies for the government despite delays in repayment.
“These are individuals who do not wait for recognition. They act out of genuine commitment to Sierra Leone,” Khan emphasized, adding that the Antar family has invested heavily in communities, health, and education, particularly in Port Loko District.
Addressing criticisms that the appointments favorued individuals of Lebanese descent, Khan rejected such claims as unfounded.
“Sierra Leone should not judge patriotism by surname or ethnicity. The Antars are Sierra Leoneans by their commitment, sacrifice, and integration into our society. Their contributions to health, education, and community development speak louder than their ancestry,” he asserted.
Khan reassured the public that the envoy roles carry no diplomatic privileges or financial rewards.
“This is not about personal gain or travel perks. It is about using their networks to open doors for Sierra Leone on the global stage,” he explained. He further emphasized, “These appointments will not add to the wage bill. Instead, they will create opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, which is exactly what Sierra Leone needs at this point in time.”
Myk Berewa, Director of Communications at State House, echoed this message on his official Facebook page.
“Bringing the Antars on board as Special Envoys won’t add to our wage bill. Their role comes with only credentials, not paychecks. Our wage bill is inflated by the thousands of teachers and civil servants we employ every year,” Berewa wrote.
Adding his perspective, Sheku Putka Kamara, a lecturer and media communications expert, commended the decision during the Newspaper Review Show on Epic Radio. He described the appointments as both timely and practical, particularly since they are voluntary.
“In a country where institutions struggle with limited resources, having honorary envoys who are not paid salaries but instead use their personal connections to bring investment is a positive step,” Kamara explained.
He dismissed concerns about family ties, stressing that leaders around the world appoint trusted individuals based on their competence and network. “What matters is not their surname or origin, but what they can deliver. If these individuals can bring investors, open new trade links, and promote Sierra Leone abroad, the country stands to benefit,” he added. Concluding his defense, Alhaji Alpha Khan called for national unity and support. “President Bio is sending a clear message: those who contribute meaningfully to the nation will be recognized, regardless of their background. This is not a reward; it is recognition of service and a call to do more,” he said.
A political commentator also applauded the President’s decision, noting that the Special Envoys will contribute to tourism, trade, and infrastructure development.
“Thank you, President Bio, for these appointments. This is commendable. Any individual working towards the development of the nation should be recognized. Today it is the Antars; tomorrow it can be others. We should not see them as foreigners but as Sierra Leoneans,” the commentator remarked.