By: Aminata Sesay
On Wednesday, 15th October 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone ratified fifteen (15) presidential nominees presented by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. This followed the submission of the First Report from the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie.
The approved nominees are set to serve in key national institutions, including the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority, NASSIT, the National Youth Commission, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, the Road Safety Authority, and the Airports Authority.
In presenting the report, Hon. Bashiru Silikie explained that all nominees had been thoroughly vetted by the Committee under oath at Committee Room One, Tower Hill. He emphasized that the committee reviewed their professional experience, performance records, tax compliance, and asset declarations. “The report before this Honourable House reflects the collective and unanimous view of the Committee,” Hon. Silikie affirmed, adding that the nominees were also assessed based on their vision for institutional progress and readiness to contribute to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
Supporting the motion, Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District confirmed his participation in the vetting process. He praised the spirit of patriotism and national service demonstrated by the nominees, commending several for their competence and dedication. However, he urged them to work for the collective good of Sierra Leoneans. “Let your appointments bring solutions and innovations that benefit our people, not divisions,” he stressed. Hon. Kamara also highlighted pressing national issues such as drug abuse among youth and the need for NASSIT to strengthen investment portfolios that safeguard workers’ futures.
In his contribution, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, urged the nominees to prioritize service delivery and accountability. He pointed to the urgent challenges facing the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), particularly the rising number of road accidents across the country. “Over 600 accidents have been recorded nationwide this is a national concern that requires immediate attention,” he emphasized. Hon. Kargbo also raised concerns about the high cost of air travel and called for government intervention to make flights more affordable for citizens.
Concluding the debate, Hon. Silikie described the appointments as a “strategic and progressive decision” by President Bio. He noted that the blend of experience and technical expertise among the nominees would enhance institutional performance. He urged the appointees to respect the oversight authority of Parliament and remain accountable to the people of Sierra Leone. “Your loyalty must be to Sierra Leone first. The President has given you the opportunity now it is your duty to deliver,” Hon. Silikie emphasized.
With bipartisan support, Parliament unanimously approved the fifteen nominees, marking another significant step in strengthening public sector leadership and advancing the government’s development agenda.