Parliament has approved five presidential nominees following the presentation and debate of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service. The report was presented on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.
Mrs. Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson, Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency
Ms. Fatmata Deveh Khellah, Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank
Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, Executive Director, National Protected Area Authority (NPPA)
Mr. Leslie Gordon Brown, Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT)
Ms. Mumunatu Kadi Sawi, Member, Board of Directors, Produce Monitoring Board
Presenting the report to Parliament, Hon. Nyuma explained that all nominees were thoroughly interviewed under oath. He said the committee examined their professional experience, track records, tax compliance, asset declarations, and their vision for effective service in their respective institutions. According to him, the report reflected the unanimous decision of the committee.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of Government Business I, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, wished Members of Parliament a prosperous 2026 and urged the nominees to focus on performance and service delivery. He encouraged them to work diligently for the people of Sierra Leone and described Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as a committed individual with a strong record of public service. He also called on the NASSIT board nominee to help strengthen progress in the labour sector.
Hon. Yusuf Machery of Bo District advised the new Executive Director of NPPA to prioritize institutional reforms, noting long-standing leadership and discipline challenges within the authority. He urged the nominee to restore order and professionalism.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District raised concerns about persistent environmental problems despite the existence of institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency and NPPA. He also encouraged reforms at NASSIT to reduce the burden on workers through automation. In addition, he called on the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to expand its branches to district headquarters across the country.
The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers of Pujehun District, reminded the nominees to always put national interest first. He expressed confidence in all five nominees and described Sheikh Ahmed Tunis as hardworking and dedicated.
Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo of Pujehun District welcomed the increased number of women appointed by the President. She said the women nominated were experienced and capable, and encouraged them to remain committed to their responsibilities.
Hon. Bash Kamara of Bo District said NASSIT had underperformed over the years and needed serious reforms. He advised the board nominee to focus on improving services for Sierra Leoneans rather than competing in business ventures.
Speaking for the opposition, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, stressed the importance of teamwork for national development. Drawing an example from the recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, he said success depends not only on qualifications but on effective cooperation. He reminded the House that Parliament has a duty to scrutinize nominees before approval.
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Concluding the debate for the government, the Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business II, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, said the nominees had been properly vetted and met all requirements. He thanked President Julius Maada Bio for appointing more women to positions of trust and encouraged the nominees to demonstrate strong and transformational leadership in their respective institutions.
Parliament then approved all five nominees to serve in their new roles.
