Parliament Approves Five Presidential Nominees for Key National Institutions

Parliament has on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, debated and unanimously approved five presidential nominees to serve on the boards and management of key government institutions, following the presentation of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service.

The report was presented to the House by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, who also chairs the Committee on Appointments and Public Service.

The nominees approved by Parliament are Mrs. Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson as Member of the Board of Directors of the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency; Ms. Fatmata Deveh Khellah as Member of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank; Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPPA); Mr. Leslie Gordon Brown as Member of the Board of Trustees of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT); and Ms. Mumunatu Kadi Sawi as Member of the Board of Directors of the Produce Monitoring Board.

Presenting the report to the plenary, Hon. Nyuma informed Members of Parliament that all nominees were interviewed under oath and thoroughly examined on their professional experience, track records and suitability for the positions to which they were nominated.

He said the committee also probed issues relating to tax compliance, asset declaration and the nominees’ vision for delivering productive and nationally beneficial service. According to him, other relevant matters were critically reviewed, and the report reflected the unanimous decision of the committee.

Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of Government Business I, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, extended New Year greetings to the House and urged the approved nominees to align with the President’s expectations by prioritizing performance and service delivery. “Take this opportunity to serve the people diligently,” he said.

Hon. Silikie singled out Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, describing him as a committed and devoted individual, and encouraged all nominees, particularly the NASSIT board member, to work towards improving outcomes in the labour sector.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Yusuf Machery, Member of Parliament for Bo District, advised the new Executive Director of NPPA to focus on reforming the institution, noting that it has faced leadership challenges over the years. He encouraged the nominee to instil discipline and strengthen institutional management.

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, representing Kambia District, observed that despite the existence of institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency and NPPA, environmental challenges persist across the country.

He called on the NASSIT nominee to help reduce the burden on workers by promoting automation within the institution. He also urged the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to expand its presence by establishing branches in district headquarter towns, noting that it remains the only government-owned commercial bank in the country.

The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers of Pujehun District, said the nominees must at all times place national interest above all else. He described Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as hardworking, diligent and devoted, and expressed full confidence in all the nominees to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.

Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo, also representing Pujehun District, welcomed the President’s decision to appoint more women to positions of responsibility. She said the women nominated are experienced and capable, and encouraged all appointees, particularly female nominees, to remain committed to their duties.

Hon. Bash Kamara of Bo District said his contribution was based on thematic concerns, noting that much more needs to be done by NASSIT. He criticised the institution’s involvement in business activities and urged the nominee to advocate for reforms, stating that NASSIT should leave business ventures to the private sector and focus on improving services for Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking for the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, drew an analogy from a recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco to stress the importance of teamwork. He said that regardless of academic qualifications, success depends on collective effort.

Hon. Kargbo reminded the House that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to examine the track records of nominees before approval and urged the approved officials to work together for national development.

Concluding the debate for the government, the Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business II, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, said the nominees had been adequately scrutinized and met all the necessary requirements. He affirmed that President Julius Maada Bio’s choices were “true and proper” and joined colleagues in approving the appointments.

Hon. Lamina also commended the President for appointing more women and encouraged all nominees to demonstrate transformational and effective leadership in their respective institutions.

Following the debate, the Speaker put the motion to a vote, and Parliament unanimously approved all five presidential nominees to serve in their respective roles.