The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved six presidential nominees, including Ahmed Saybon Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, following the debate and adoption of the Eighth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The report was chaired by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.

The following nominees were approved:

  1. Mr. Ambrose Michael Sovula – Chairman, Advisory Committee, Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition
  2. Mr. Osman Kabba – Director, National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE)
  3. Mr. Ibrahim Abu Bakarr – Chairman, Professional Social Work Regulatory Council
  4. Ms. Adama Kamanda – Member, National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE)
  5. Haja Hawa Turay – Member, National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE)
  6. Mr. Ahmed Saybon Kanu – Deputy Minister, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

Presenting the nominees to plenary, Acting Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, told Members of Parliament that the appointees were interviewed in Committee Room One of Parliament Building at Tower Hill in Freetown. He said the nominees were interviewed under oath and questioned on their years of experience, track records, tax obligations, asset declarations, and vision for a productive tenure. He added that other matters regarding the nominees were critically examined and that the report reflects the unanimous decision of the committee.

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Seconding the motion, Deputy Majority Whip 1, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, expressed appreciation to President Bio for the appointments as provided for in Section 61 of the 1991 Constitution. She said all the nominees were qualified for their various positions and thanked the President for appointing more women to high government positions. She singled out Saybon Kanu as an outstanding and dedicated Sierra Leonean committed to peace, cohesion, and national development.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Leader of Opposition 2, described Saybon Kanu as competent for his appointment, saying the nominee deserved a substantive position. He noted enormous challenges in the fishing sector and said much is required to address the challenges faced by fishermen.

Hon. Neneh Lebbie, representing Bo District, urged nominees to prioritise service delivery. “Each time nominees come here, we praise them, but at the end of the day, it turns out to be a disappointment,” she said.

Hon. Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, representing Kono District, urged the nominees to prioritise integrity in their respective offices. He said the appointees were all qualified and expressed belief that they would work in the interest of Sierra Leone.

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, urged colleague MPs to speak truth to power by reminding nominees of their responsibilities. He endorsed that Mr. Kanu was qualified for the position and reaffirmed the opposition’s support for his appointment on moral grounds. He described Mr. Kanu as someone who embraces all, regardless of party affiliation, and advised the former Inspector General of Police to be responsible and avoid retaliation.

Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie said appointees were selected as Sierra Leoneans, not as members of the ruling party. He described Mr. Kanu as a grassroots man, citing support from Paramount Chiefs who were present in the Well of Parliament.