No salaries are attached to the recent appointments of four Special Envoys by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the Government of Sierra Leone has clarified, stressing that the roles are voluntary and will not add to the national wage bill. While the decision has generated debate among citizens, many have hailed it as a commendable recognition of service and sacrifice, and as a bold step towards driving the country’s development agenda.
Speaking on the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show Wednesday, 27th August 2025, Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Khan said the envoy appointments are not political rewards but rather acknowledgments of “commitment, sacrifice, and proven service” to Sierra Leone.
“These are not jobs, rewards, or political paybacks,” Khan stressed. “They are voluntary, honorary positions that do not add to the government’s wage bill. Instead, they leverage personal resources, networks, and goodwill to attract investment, tourism, and infrastructure opportunities for Sierra Leone.”
Khan highlighted the humanitarian record of businessman Faissal D. Antar, noting his support over the years, which includes the renovation of the 34 Military Hospital, donation of an X-ray machine, construction of schools, rehabilitation of mosques, and critical financial assistance during the Ebola outbreak when he pre-financed emergency supplies for the government.
“These are not people who sit and wait for recognition. They act out of genuine commitment to Sierra Leone,” Khan emphasized, adding that the Antar family has long invested in communities, health, and education, particularly in Port Loko District.
Responding to criticisms that the appointments favored individuals of Lebanese descent, Khan dismissed such claims as misplaced.
“Sierra Leone should not judge patriotism by surname or ethnicity.
The Antars are Sierra Leoneans by their commitment, sacrifice, and integration into our society. Their contributions to health, education, and community development speak louder than ancestry,” he said.
Khan clarified that the envoy roles do not come with diplomatic perks or financial incentives.
“This is not about personal gain or travel perks. It is about using their networks to open doors for Sierra Leone on the global stage,” he explained.
Echoing this, State House Communications Director Myk Berewa posted on Facebook:
“Bringing the Antars on board as Special Envoys won’t add to our wage bill. Their role comes with only credentials, not paychecks.”
Communications expert Sheku Putka Kamara described the appointments as timely and practical.
“In a country where institutions struggle with limited resources, having honorary envoys who are not paid but instead use their personal connections to bring investment is a positive step,” Putka said. He added that trusted individuals are often appointed worldwide, stressing: “What matters is not their surname or origin, but what they can deliver.”
Concluding his remarks, Alhaji Alpha Khan called for public support:
“President Bio is sending a clear message: those who contribute meaningfully to the nation will be recognized, regardless of their background. This is not a reward; it is recognition of service and a call to do more,” he said.
A political commentator also welcomed the decision, noting its significance for national growth.
“Thank you, President Bio, for these appointments. This is commendable. Any individual working towards the development of the nation should be recognized. Today it is the Antars; tomorrow it can be others. We should not see them as foreigners but as Sierra Leoneans,” he remarked.
