By: Saidu Jalloh
Former Minister of Finance, Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry of Finance to his successor, Karefa Kargbo, following his reassignment as Adviser to President Julius Maada Bio. The handing over ceremony was held on 3rd September 2026 at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Bangura expressed gratitude to President Bio for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure as Minister of Finance and for his subsequent appointment as Presidential Adviser.
“Serving as Minister of Finance for me is the greatest honour of my professional life as an economist,” Bangura said.
He said he and his team had navigated some of the most challenging economic circumstances faced by Sierra Leone, adding that they worked tirelessly to stabilize the economy and address major fiscal and macroeconomic challenges, and also internal and external shocks like COVID-19, Russia and Ukraine war and U S and Iran war.
Bangura maintained that the achievements recorded during his tenure were substantial and supported by economic data. He noted that the Ministry of Finance has a critical responsibility to stabilize the economy and effectively manage the country’s macroeconomic and fiscal policies.
The former minister commended his team for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to serving the people of Sierra Leone, stressing that the successes achieved were the result of collective effort rather than his contribution alone.
He also thanked board members, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Vice President and the Chief Minister for their support throughout his tenure.
Bangura assured the incoming minister of his full support and offered advice on steering the affairs of the ministry. He also presented Kargbo with a catalogue of documented projects, highlighting initiatives that had either been completed or remained ongoing.
Speaking at the ceremony, the new Minister of Finance, Karefa Kargbo, expressed appreciation to President Bio for the confidence placed in him and pledged to provide effective leadership at the ministry.
Kargbo called on staff to work together towards achieving the ministry’s objectives, emphasizing that their efforts must be driven by the national interest rather than personal interests.
He said his immediate responsibility would be to focus on the ministry’s priorities with humility and an open-door approach. He disclosed that one of his priorities would be to engage the National Revenue Authority to ensure that revenue targets are met.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Kargbo said he was not new to financial management and had worked with many officials within the sector for several years.
“I have no doubt that we would conquer whatever challenges we would be facing. I am a very passionate person, but also debatable. I like to debate about every data until you convince me,” Kargbo said.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and the Ministry of Finance, particularly as the country prepares for the upcoming budget process.
She said close coordination between the two institutions would be essential to aligning fiscal policies, resource allocation and national development priorities.
Deputy Minister of Finance II, Isata Marrah, welcomed the incoming minister and assured him of the commitment of the ministry’s leadership and staff to supporting his mandate.
She also expressed appreciation to Bangura for his service and contribution to the Ministry of Finance.