5 Presidential Nominees Approved by Parliament

The Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, was debated and approved by Parliament on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for Sierra Leone’s development.

Parliament approved the presidential nominees listed below:

1. Mrs Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson, Member of the Board of Directors, Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency.
2. Ms Fatmata Deveh Khellah, Member of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank
3. Mr Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority.
4. Mr Leslie Gordon Brown, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) Board of Trustees member, and
5. Ms Mumunatu Kadi Sawi, Produce Monitoring Board Member of the Board of Directors.

Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, presented the nominees to the plenary and gave the Members of Parliament an explanation of the interview process. The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business claim that the nominees were questioned under oath about matters related to their track records and experiences over the years. The Leader stated that they also looked into other matters, such as tax responsibilities, asset disclosure, and their appointments’ goals for a productive tenure for the country. Other issues about the nominees were critically examined, he continued by informing fellow members of parliament. The Report represents the Committee’s unanimous opinions, according to Hon. Nyuma.

Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of Government Business 1, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, while speaking during the debate, wished the House a prosperous 2026. He encouraged the nominees to follow the President’s wishes by putting performance and delivery first for the people of Sierra Leone. “Use this opportunity to serve the people diligently,” he said. He singled out and described one of the nominees, Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, as someone dedicated to Sierra Leone’s development and growth. He advised all nominees, particularly the NASSIT Board Member, to make more progress in the labour sector.

The Bo District representative, Hon. Yusuf Machery, cautioned the NPAA nominee to concentrate on reforming the organisation. He brought up long-standing leadership issues at the organisation. He urged the newly appointed executive director to instil discipline and indoctrinate the organisation.

Despite the creation and existence of some MDAs, like the EPA and NPAA, there are still significant environmental issues throughout the nation, according to Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, who represents Kambia District. He cautioned the nominee to NASSIT to create an automated system in order to lessen the excessive burden that the labour sector bears. As one of the few government commercial banks in the nation, he stated that there is a great need for Commercial Bank to open branches in district headquarters towns all over the nation.

The nominees must always put the interests of the country first, according to Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, the Chief Whip of Parliament and representative of Pujehun District. He characterised Sheikh Tunis, one of the nominees, as industrious, conscientious, and committed to his work. He told the House that he had complete faith in each nominee and that he hoped they would contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.

Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo, representing Pujehun District, expressed satisfaction with the President’s appointment of more women. She stated that the majority of the women appointed have previous experience and that she believes they will always deliver when given the opportunity. She concluded by encouraging all appointees, particularly female appointees, to be committed to their respective roles.

Honourable Bash Kamara, who spoke on behalf of the Bo District, based his discussion on thematic areas and said that NASSIT still has a lot of work to do. “Tell the other board members that NASSIT should let the public sector handle business and that they are not doing well in the business sector,” he said. He cautioned the candidates to prioritise serving Sierra Leoneans.
Rounding out the opposition debate, Hon. Abdul Kargbo narrated the recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, emphasising the importance of teamwork for Africa’s growth. “Regardless of the nominees’ academic qualifications, if you don’t work together, you won’t succeed,” he said. Hon. Abdul Kargbo urged the nominees to collaborate assiduously for national development. He stated that it is Parliament’s responsibility to review the nominees’ track records before approval.
The Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, concluded the government side’s debate by stating that the candidates had been carefully examined and could attest to the genuineness and suitability of the qualifications and skills of those chosen by H.E. President Julius Maada Bio. Along with fellow Members of Parliament, he endorsed the nominees and thanked the President for appointing more women to positions of trust. Hon. Lamina urged the nominees to demonstrate strong leadership within their organisations. “I urge each of you to bring transformational leadership to your respective offices.” He concluded by exhorting each nominee to put forth great effort in support of Sierra Leone’s progress.