Parliament on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, approved five presidential nominees following the presentation and debate of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.
The approval was granted after plenary consideration of the Committee’s report, which detailed the vetting process and findings on the nominees, whose appointments are expected to contribute to national development.
The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
Mrs. Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency. Ms. Fatmata Deveh Khellah Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank. Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis Executive Director, National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA). Mr. Leslie Gordon Brown- Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT)
Ms. Mumunatu Kadi Sawi Member, Board of Directors, Produce Monitoring Board
Presenting the report to the House, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma explained that all nominees were thoroughly interviewed under oath and examined on their professional experience, track records, tax obligations, asset declarations, and visions for productive service in their respective roles. He informed Members of Parliament that other relevant matters were critically reviewed and stated that the report reflected the unanimous decision of the Committee.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of Government Business I, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, wished Members a prosperous 2026 and encouraged the nominees to align with the President’s vision by prioritizing performance and service delivery. He urged them to serve the people diligently and singled out Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as a committed and devoted public servant. He also advised the NASSIT Board nominee to work towards greater progress in the labour sector.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Yusuf Machery of Bo District admonished the new Executive Director of the NPAA to focus on institutional reforms, citing longstanding leadership and discipline challenges within the Authority.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District noted that despite the existence of institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NPAA, significant environmental challenges persist nationwide. He encouraged the NASSIT nominee to help reduce the burden on workers through automation and urged the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to expand its branch network to district headquarters across the country, given its status as a government-owned commercial bank.
The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers of Pujehun District, emphasized that the nominees must always prioritize national interest. He described Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as hardworking, diligent, and devoted, and expressed confidence that all nominees would contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo, also of Pujehun District, welcomed the appointment of more women, expressing confidence in their experience and ability to deliver. She encouraged all appointees particularly the female nominees to remain committed to their responsibilities.
Hon. Bash Kamara of Bo District criticized NASSIT’s performance, stating that more needed to be done by the institution. He urged the nominees to focus on serving Sierra Leoneans and cautioned NASSIT against excessive involvement in commercial ventures.
Speaking for the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, drew lessons from the recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, stressing the importance of teamwork for national and continental development. He noted that academic qualifications alone are insufficient without collaboration and urged the nominees to work together for the good of the nation. He reaffirmed Parliament’s responsibility to scrutinize nominees before approval.
Concluding the debate on behalf of the government, the Deputy Leader of Government Business II, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, stated that the nominees were thoroughly scrutinized and met all required standards and competencies. He thanked President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for appointing more women to positions of trust and encouraged the nominees to demonstrate effective and transformational leadership in their respective institutions.