By Mohamed T. Massaquoi
Newly approved Ministers and Deputy Ministers have taken the Oath of Office before President Julius Maada Bio at a ceremony on Thursday at State House.
The new Ministers include Brig. Rtd. Kellie Hassan Conteh as Minister of Defence, Dr David Moinina Sengeh as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Denis Kpawoh Vandi as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Philip Karimu Lansana as Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Foday Moriba Jaward as Minister of the Environment and Ms. Manty Beatrice Tarawalli as Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
The new Deputy Ministers include Col. Rtd. Muana Brima Massaquoi as Deputy Minister of Defence and Stephen Syril James Jusu as Deputy Minister of the Environment.
Other appointees who were also sworn in to office were, the Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, Ahmed Abu Kemokai and Commissioners of the Political Parties Registration Commission, Alhaji Muctar Babatunde Williams and Christian Sawyer.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the other appointees, the new Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Ms. Manty Beatrice Tarawalli, said they are grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the weight of the responsibility attached to their work as cabinet members.
“With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in us by the President and with an unwavering desire to honor that trust, we have humbly accepted our appointments. We are each aware of the scale and gravity of challenges in our institutions but let me assure you, Your Excellency, that with dedication, leadership and our experiences, we will endeavor to find sustainable solutions that will improve on overall performance and achievements. I assure you of excellence, result, loyalty and professionalism,” she said.
In his remarks, President Bio congratulated the public officials and reminded them of the enormity of the task ahead, saying that they had been meticulously chosen to take up the new duties and that he expected them to bring their best to help the development of the country.
“I have the thought that you are fit to hold these positions and I expect nothing less. I even expect more because the task ahead is enormous. I want to assure you of my full support in the discharge of your duties. Congratulations and I wish you all the best,’’ he said.
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