By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved six presidential nominees following extensive deliberations on the Eighth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service. The approvals pave the way for the nominees to assume key positions in government and public institutions.
The approved nominees are Mr. Ambrose Michael Sovula, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition; Mr. Osman Kabba, Director of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE); Mr. Ibrahim Abu Bakarr, Chairman of the Professional Social Work Regulatory Council; Ms. Adama Kamanda, Member of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education; Haja Hawa Turay, Member of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education; and Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Presenting the committee’s report to Parliament, Acting Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, informed Members of Parliament that the nominees were thoroughly vetted in Committee Room One at the Parliament Building. He said they were questioned under oath on their professional experience, performance records, tax compliance, asset declarations, and vision for their respective offices before being unanimously recommended for approval.
While lawmakers across the political divide endorsed the appointments, the debate focused largely on expectations for effective leadership, accountability, and improved service delivery.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Majority Whip 1, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, commended President Julius Maada Bio for appointing qualified Sierra Leoneans to strategic positions, particularly women. She urged the nominees to prioritize national development over personal interests and described Ahmed Saybon Kanu as a dedicated patriot committed to peace, unity, and national progress.
Contributing to the debate, Deputy Leader of Opposition 2, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, supported Kanu’s appointment and argued that he was qualified for even higher office. He, however, called for increased development interventions in Tonkolili District and highlighted challenges in the fisheries sector, urging the incoming Deputy Minister to help improve conditions for fishermen.
Hon. Neneh Lebbie of Bo District emphasized the importance of nationalism and public service. She reminded the nominees that citizens expect tangible results from public officials and urged them to prioritize effective service delivery. She also encouraged the female appointees, Ms. Adama Kamanda and Haja Hawa Turay, to serve as strong representatives of women in leadership.
Hon. Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, focused on integrity and accountability, expressing confidence that Ambrose Michael Sovula, Osman Kabba, Ibrahim Abu Bakarr, Adama Kamanda, Haja Hawa Turay, and Ahmed Saybon Kanu would serve diligently in their respective roles. He also called for greater attention to informal education and skills development.
Other Members of Parliament raised broader national concerns. Hon. Mariama Bangura called for more rehabilitation centres to address drug abuse, while Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara stressed the need for investment in fisheries infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, to strengthen the sector and improve livelihoods.
Rounding off the debate from the opposition bench, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, urged the nominees to remain focused on national service and accountability. He emphasized the importance of strengthening technical and vocational education under the leadership of Osman Kabba and the NCTVE Council members, Ms. Adama Kamanda and Haja Hawa Turay, to ensure training programmes align with labour market demands. He also endorsed Ahmed Saybon Kanu’s appointment, describing him as an inclusive figure capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Sierra Leone’s blue economy.
Concluding the debate, Hon. Bashiru Silikie reiterated that the appointments were made in the interest of Sierra Leone and not on partisan grounds. He urged Ambrose Michael Sovula, Osman Kabba, Ibrahim Abu Bakarr, Adama Kamanda, Haja Hawa Turay, and Ahmed Saybon Kanu to work closely with Parliament and deliver measurable results for the people.
Following the debate, Parliament unanimously approved all six nominees, with lawmakers expressing hope that they will justify the confidence placed in them and contribute positively to national development.