By Donstance Koroma
The Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone has Thursday 27 July 2023 approved Mohamed Rahman Swarray, former Minister of Information and Communications and twenty-nine others to serve in various cabinet capacities ministers, deputies, commissioners and directors.
The appointment of Mohamed R. Swarray as Minister of Labor and Employment was regarded by many lawmakers as a reward for hard work.
According to the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bassiru Silikie, Mohamed R. Swarray is a Human Resource professional that has set the bar high for many individuals to follow.
He cited that the piloting of the Cybersecurity Act, which he noted has largely increased cyber defence. Hon. Silikie noted that Mr Swarray is on records for championing the repeal of the 54 year old draconian Part 5 of the Public Order Act that used criminalized libel.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I can confidently state that Mohamed R. Swarray is the best minister the Ministry of Information and Communications has ever produced, due to his indelible success stories registered during his stay in the ministry, said Hon. Silikie. And adds Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the proposed minister of Labor and Employment made it possible for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist to start receiving annual government subvention.
The Human Resource professional was able to organize the maiden media and Investment Conference with the singular motive of reducing the long-standing media poverty that had, and continues to rock the Sierra Leone media landscape, Hon. Silikie explained and called on Mohamed R. Swarray to defend and improve on employees’ welfare. He encouraged him to put modalities in place to discourage youths leaving the shores of the country in search of jobs.
Other presidential nominees who were approved are Chernor Alpha Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education. Bah among other things promised to build on the foundation of his predecessor and make the public broadcaster an envy of many. Gbassy Jusu Gobeh, Resident Minister East. Jusu Gobeh is a contractor, advocate for women and girls’ empowerment. He vowed to unify Kenema, Kailahun and Kono for the general good of the region.
Daniel Julius Mattia, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, is a geologist in exploration. He told MPs that he will ensures that the ministry gives the National Mineral Agency the necessary support to carry out its functions.
He also promised to ensure that tangible community mining project across the country and harmonies the current Mining Act.
Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs Kenneh Ballay, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Amara Brewah, Director General National Telecommunication Agency.
Madam Augusta Tinma, Minister of Sport, she was introduced as a lecturer and a Sport Administrator and Secretary, Sierra Leone Athletic Committee, Madam Jenaba J. Bangura, Deputy Minister I, Ministry of Finance, a Public Accountant with twenty-five years of active service.
Alpha Sesay, Deputy Minister of Justice, Aziz Kamara, Deputy Higher Education, Madam Fatmata Wurie , Deputy Trade and Industry, Bockarie Kalokoh, a Finance and Banking professional, was nominated as Deputy Finance II, Ibrahim Brima Swarray, Commissioner-General, National Revenue Authority, Dennis M. Sandy, Minister of Works and Public Asset and host of others.
