By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved six presidential nominees to lead key government institutions, following a thorough vetting process conducted by the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business.
The confirmed nominees are: Ms. Janneh Jabati – Deputy Minister of Finance II, Mr. Emmanuel Sahr Tondeneh – Ombudsman, Mr. Mustapha Mark Lissa – Commissioner, National Shipping Agency, Mr. Joseph Maada Lahai– Commissioner, National Youth Commission, Mr. Alfred Malthus Kobba – Deputy Director General, National Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Haja Kadie Johnson– Member, Sierra Leone Roads Authority.
The nominees were interviewed under oath on August 1, 2025. The vetting process focused on their professional backgrounds, commitment to financial accountability, tax compliance, and their vision for the roles they are set to undertake.
Chairman Hon. Mathew Nyuma reported that the committee’s recommendation was based on unanimous support, noting that all nominees demonstrated competence, integrity, and readiness to serve.
Hon. Aruna Aaron Koroma, Deputy Leader 2 of the Opposition, praised the credentials of the nominees particularly highlighting Ms. Janneh Jabati’s experience in the economic sector. He emphasized the need for timely funding of government institutions and urged the Ombudsman to carry out his duties fairly and independently in line with Section 146 of the 1991 Constitution.
Hon. Umu Pyne, representing Moyamba District, applauded President Julius Maada Bio’s continued commitment to gender inclusion. She encouraged the female nominees to prioritize women’s empowerment and urged the nominee to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority to focus on road rehabilitation and maintenance across the country.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, emphasized that the appointees must prioritize improving the lives of ordinary citizens especially the youth, who constitute more than 60% of the population. He called for innovative youth empowerment programs, expressed concern over the rise in drug abuse, and stressed the importance of adequate funding for the Ombudsman’s office to ensure its effectiveness.
Concluding the debate, Hon. Mathew Nyuma reiterated that all six nominees were selected based on merit and qualifications. He reminded them of their primary responsibility to serve the nation and contribute meaningfully to President Bio’s development agenda. He also cited Section 62 of the 1991 Constitution, which gives the President authority to appoint qualified individuals to public office.
The confirmation of these nominees is seen as a positive step towards strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery, and accelerating national development in Sierra Leone.