The Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone has confirmed several key appointments on Thursday, November 16, 2023, affirming Dr. Ibrahim Lahai Stevens as the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, among others.

The approval, met with unanimous support, ratified Dr. Ibrahim Lahai Stevens as Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Mustapha Turay as Chairman of the NMA Board of Directors, Engineer Alfred Jalil Momodu as Director General of SLRA, Augustine Tommy as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NPAA, Abu Bakarr Carew as Commissioner of the Local Government Services Commission for the Western Region, and Sheik Momodu Foday Sesay as a Board Member of SLPA.

Commending the newly endorsed appointees, Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, expressed confidence in their capabilities, noting that the trust placed in them by the President aligned with the House’s collective support. He urged the appointees to enhance their methods and demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the confidence entrusted in them.

Before the nominees’ approval, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, Acting Leader of Government Business in Parliament, particularly directed his remarks to the new Bank Governor, urging him to implement distinctive strategies. Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition Members, stressed the need for appointees to effect changes within their respective institutions and communities, emphasizing their role in enhancing the country’s economy amidst challenges.

Additionally, other parliamentarians highlighted specific concerns and expectations. Hon. Moriba Amie Nyava expressed concern over the prevalent use of the U.S. Dollar in transactions and advocated for a shift similar to Rwanda’s rejection of the Dollar in national dealings. Hon. Abdul Karim Kargbo called attention to the state of roads in various regions, emphasizing the importance of equitable resource distribution and the improvement of critical infrastructure.

The parliamentary proceedings underscored the expectations placed on the newly approved appointees to drive positive change, address economic challenges, and foster equitable development across Sierra Leone.