By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Leadership, Senior Management and Staff of the Ministry of Finance Sierra Leone have presented a token of appreciation to the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, in recognition of his recent continental award.
The presentation took place on Monday, March 16, 2026, as ministry officials gathered to celebrate the minister’s achievement and acknowledge his leadership in managing the country’s economy.
Bangura was recently named Africa Government Minister of the Year 2025 by African Leadership Magazine during the 15th edition of its Persons of the Year Awards held in Accra on February 27, 2026. The award is regarded as one of the continent’s notable platforms for recognizing leadership and public service.
Presenting the appreciation plaque, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie congratulated the minister on what he described as a prestigious honour. He said the entire staff and management of the ministry are proud of the recognition and view it as a reflection of the collective effort within the institution.
Dingie noted that the gesture was intended to associate the ministry with the award and to express gratitude for the minister’s leadership. According to him, the progress recorded in the country’s economic management is the result of strong direction and teamwork within the ministry.
He added that the recognition highlights the role of effective leadership in driving reforms and strengthening financial governance in Sierra Leone. The Financial Secretary also encouraged staff to remain committed to their responsibilities as the ministry continues its efforts to promote economic stability.
In his response, Bangura thanked the staff for the honour and described the award as a shared achievement. He emphasized that the recognition belongs not only to him but also to the entire workforce of the Ministry of Finance and the Government of Sierra Leone.
The minister stated that the award reflects the dedication and hard work of staff who support policy implementation and financial management across the country. He acknowledged their contribution to maintaining economic stability and advancing growth.
Bangura further noted that such recognition serves as motivation to continue strengthening the country’s economic systems. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with staff and stakeholders to sustain progress and address ongoing challenges in the sector.
The African Leadership Magazine awards are based on public voting and aim to celebrate leaders whose actions contribute to development across the continent. In the 2025 category, Bangura secured 31.42 percent of the total votes to emerge as the winner.
The event at the ministry highlighted a sense of unity and appreciation among staff, while reinforcing the importance of collective effort in achieving national goals. Observers say the recognition could further boost confidence in the country’s economic leadership as reforms continue.
