President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, named Karefa A. F. Kargbo as Sierra Leone’s new Minister of Finance. This significant appointment was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced in an official public notice from State House. The notice detailed 15 appointments across various Ministries, diplomatic missions, public institutions, and Government agencies. All appointments are subject to parliamentary approval where applicable, ensuring due process for each position.
Key Ministerial Appointments
Mohamed Rahman Swarray was named Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as part of the cabinet changes. This portfolio is key for Sierra Leone's international relations and diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Umaru Napoleon Koroma received an appointment as Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, a key role focused on the nation's workforce and social welfare programs. These appointments were among the 15 detailed in the official public notice from State House, which covered various Ministries, diplomatic missions, public institutions, and Government agencies. The notice showed the full nature of the reshuffle, impacting multiple levels of government. All new ministerial and other appointments are contingent on parliamentary approval, a standard procedure for such high-level positions.
Other Notable Appointees
Jeneba J. Bangura was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, supporting the nation's diplomatic agenda. Dr. Steven A. Jusu was named Deputy Minister of Energy II, reflecting the government's focus on the energy sector. Foday Mousa Fofanah received an appointment as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, a critical area for Sierra Leone's economy. Prince A. Bull Luseni was appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, tasked with combating illicit drug activities.
President Bio also named Professor Foday M. Jaward as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Qatar, a vital diplomatic posting aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Sheku A.F. Bangura and Timothy Musa Kabba were appointed as Presidential Advisers, positions that will provide direct counsel to the Head of State.
Further appointments included Dr. Sartie Kenneh as Chairman of the National Public Health Agency, an institution central to public health initiatives and responses. Dr. Donald Alpha Bash-Taqi was named Chairman of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Council, focusing on public health regulations. Professor Gibril Fadlu-Deen was appointed Chairman of the Teaching Hospitals Complex Administration Board, overseeing key medical training and treatment facilities. The National Revenue Authority (NRA) saw Abu M. Kanneh appointed as Commissioner General and Edmond Nonie as Deputy Commissioner General II, roles key for the nation's financial administration and revenue collection. These appointments reflect a strategic placement of individuals in critical sectors of governance.
Context of the Reshuffle
The appointments by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio represent a full restructuring of key government positions. This reshuffle involved 15 appointments, affecting various Ministries, diplomatic missions, public institutions, and Government agencies. The changes included the naming of Karefa A. F. Kargbo as the new Minister of Finance, a significant portfolio within the administration responsible for economic policy and fiscal management.
Other major ministerial changes saw Mohamed Rahman Swarray appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noting the emphasis on international relations. Umaru Napoleon Koroma was designated Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, showing the administration's focus on social welfare and labor issues. The President also made several appointments at the deputy ministerial level, including Jeneba J. Bangura as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Steven A. Jusu as Deputy Minister of Energy II, and Foday Mousa Fofanah as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. These appointments, like all others in the reshuffle, are contingent on parliamentary approval, ensuring legislative oversight of the executive's choices. The official public notice from State House on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, served as the formal announcement for all these changes.