Parliament Approves Two Presidential Nominees
On Friday, August 9, 2024, the Sixth Parliament unanimously approved the First Report of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silike. The report recommended the approval of two Presidential nominees:
- Madam Princess Nyahota Baby-Rose Jah Turay – Appointed as Deputy Ambassador to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Berlin, Germany.
- Ing. Samuel Jusu Alpha – Appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company.
Presenting the report, Hon. Silike detailed the rigorous evaluation process the nominees underwent, which included assessments of their educational backgrounds, professional track records, asset declarations, tax obligations, and visions for their roles. He emphasized that the report represents the unanimous consensus of the Committee.
Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, President of the Female Caucus, seconded the motion. She highlighted the significance of the nominees’ appointments and offered advice for their new roles. She praised Madam Turay for her qualifications and experience in economic diplomacy and urged her to ensure her team operates effectively, fosters investment, and protects Sierra Leoneans abroad. For Ing. Samuel Jusu Alpha, Hon. Songa called for improvements in the electricity sector, noting the recent negative impact of power outages in her community. She encouraged him to address these challenges and work on reducing vandalism of electrical infrastructure.
Hon. Moses Edwin from Bonthe District lauded Madam Turay’s appointment, citing her exemplary service as Financial Attache in Liberia. He expressed confidence in her diplomatic skills and urged her to represent Sierra Leone effectively. He also stressed the need for Ing. Alpha to tackle the issues facing the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company and improve electricity provision across the country.
Hon. Tamba Kelly from Kono District congratulated the nominees, commending their resumes and past service. He emphasized the need for Ing. Alpha to address the challenges in the electricity sector and foster strong relationships with EDSA.
Hon. Emelia Lolloh Tongi from Kailahun District focused on Madam Turay’s role in addressing the issues faced by Africans migrating through the Mediterranean and urged her to protect them. For Ing. Alpha, she recommended improving the Local Content Policy to employ more graduates in the sector.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dr. Unpha Gbassay Koroma, advised the nominees to avoid personalizing their roles. He specifically urged the Deputy Ambassador to support Sierra Leoneans in Germany and to uphold the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries. He also called on Ing. Alpha to bring new ideas to the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company and address the sector’s challenges.
Closing the debate, Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, Acting Leader of Government Business and Chairman of the Energy Committee, emphasized the importance of diplomatic representation and expressed confidence in Madam Turay’s capabilities. He discussed global energy challenges and the need for innovative solutions in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, citing issues with various hydro plants and the ongoing liabilities affecting energy provision.
Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, congratulated the nominees on their appointments and wished them success in their new roles.
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