The Parliament of Sierra Leone convened to discuss and approve six presidential nominees for various key positions aimed at enhancing the nation’s development. The Eighth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, led by Hon. Matthew S. Nyuma, the Leader of Government Business, was presented during the session. The nominees, who underwent rigorous interviews under oath and live media coverage, were unanimously approved by Members of Parliament (MPs) for their respective roles.
The six nominees approved by Parliament include:
1. Mr Abu Bakarr Sapay Foray-Musa – Commissioner General of the National Lands Commission
2. Hon. Solomon Emmanuel Bangalie – Member of the Board of Directors for the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA)
3. Ms. Ajaratu Marie Bomah – Member of the Board of Directors for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Agency (EDSA)
4. Mr. Andrew Emerson Musa – Member of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA)
5. Mr Mohamed Juma Bah – Member of the Social Security Appellate Tribunal
6. Mr. Daniel Lamin Kamara – Member of the Board of Directors for the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation
During the presentation of the committee’s report, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, the Acting Leader of Government Business, emphasized the thorough vetting process that the nominees underwent. He highlighted the importance of their educational backgrounds and proven track records in relevant fields, which were critical in their selection for these pivotal roles.
The discussion that followed the report saw various MPs contributing their perspectives on the nominees and the challenges that lay ahead in their respective offices. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the Whip of the Opposition from Kambia, raised concerns regarding the persistent land issues in Sierra Leone, particularly land grabbing and its detrimental effects on investment and the livelihoods of citizens. He urged the new Commissioner of Lands, Mr. Foray-Musa, to be vigilant and proactive in addressing these challenges. Hon. Kamara also called on the SLRA nominee to prioritize the poor state of the toll road in his district and to revisit the existing agreements concerning road maintenance.
The importance of energy supply for national development was a recurring theme throughout the debate. Hon. Kamara urged the EDSA nominee to focus on improving access to electricity and decentralizing the registration process for the NCRA to make it more accessible for citizens. He emphasized that bureaucratic hurdles should not hinder citizens from obtaining necessary documents.
Hon. Boston Munda from Kenema echoed the sentiments of the Opposition Whip, particularly praising Mr Foray-Musa for his character and past performance. He expressed confidence in the nominee’s ability to excel in his new role and encouraged all nominees to strive for success in their respective positions.
Hon. Mohamed T. Fofana, also from Kambia, expressed gratitude to President Bio for selecting the nominees and praised Mr. Foray-Musa’s outstanding contributions in the past. He urged the SLRA to address illegal parking issues and to improve road conditions, as well as to continue the positive momentum seen in EDSA’s operations.
Hon. Ibrahim Ben Mansaray from Moyamba District reflected on Mr. Foray-Musa’s journey and his trust in President Bio, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Lands to tackle the challenges in the land administration sector, particularly the issue of land grabbing. He also called for improvements in technology and accessibility for the NCRA.
Deputy Leader 2 of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, shared insights from his experiences abroad regarding land issues, reinforcing the need for effective land acquisition and planning for investors. He assured the House of Mr Foray-Musa’s capability to deliver transformative results in the Lands Commission.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, highlighted the significance of parliamentary vetting for presidential nominees and raised concerns about the performance of those previously approved. He commended the inclusion of young people among the nominees and specifically praised Ms. Ajaratu for her potential. However, he also pointed out the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, and urged the government to address electricity tariffs and distribution equitably.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Silikie encouraged all nominees to fulfil their responsibilities diligently, noting that their appointments represented a commitment to deliverables for the nation. He urged the SLRA nominee to focus on improving road conditions and called on the NCRA to enhance service accessibility by decentralizing operations.
In addition to the approval of the nominees, Parliament also ratified a concession agreement for the construction of the Mabang-Moyamba Gbangbatoke Road project, which spans 86 kilometers. MPs expressed their appreciation for the agreement, recognizing its potential to improve connectivity within the country. The Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, was commended for presenting the agreement, which is expected to contribute significantly to national development.
Furthermore, Parliament passed the Sierra Leone Railway Development and Regulatory Authority Act, 2025, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for railway and cable car transportation in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Phonapha, piloted the bill, which seeks to enhance the efficiency and safety of transportation in the country.
Overall, the parliamentary session on February 13, 2025, marked a significant step towards strengthening governance and addressing critical issues in Sierra Leone, with a focus on development, infrastructure, and service delivery. The approved nominees and ratified agreements are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation.
