By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 3rd September, 2026 – In a handing over ceremony from the outgoing Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fatamadi Bangura, the new Finance Minister, Karefa A.F Kargbo, has called on staff of the Ministry to provide accurate data and constructive recommendations to meet the Government of Sierra Leone’s fiscal and economic targets.
The handover ceremony was held on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall, bringing together senior government officials, staff of the Ministry, development partners and representatives of sister institutions.
Minister Kargbo thanked his predecessor and the staff for their contributions to Sierra Leone’s fiscal management. He identified strengthening fiscal space, improving domestic revenue mobilisation, managing the fiscal deficit and strengthening cash-flow management among his immediate priorities.
Kargbo also called for greater teamwork and evidence-based decision-making within the Ministry.
Sheku Ahmed Fatamadi Bangura, who served as Minister of Finance for three and a half years, formally handed over the Ministry’s leadership and presented Mr. Kargbo with a comprehensive transition document detailing the Ministry’s achievements from 2023 to date about its ongoing programmes, commitments with international partners, the current budget, innovative financing instruments and updates from various departments and divisions.
In his address, Bangura thanked President Julius Maada Bio, the people of Sierra Leone and staff of the Ministry for their support throughout his tenure, stressing that the Ministry’s achievements were the result of collective efforts, not the work of one individual.
He assured his successor of his continued support and availability in his new role as Presidential Adviser, saying he would provide guidance whenever required to ensure a smooth transition.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, commended former Minister Bangura for his professionalism and contribution to the Sierra Leone’s economic management.
She pledged the continued support of MoPED to the incoming Finance Minister.
Minister Barlay described the transition as important to maintaining coordination between the two ministries, particularly as preparations for the upcoming national budget get underway.
She noted that the Ministry of Finance and MoPED share responsibility for ensuring that public resources, including capital and recurrent expenditure, are aligned with national development priorities.
Welcoming Mr. Kargbo, she expressed confidence in his leadership and assured him of MoPED’s cooperation in advancing the Government’s economic and development agenda.
Deputy Minister of Finance II, Isata Marrah, also welcomed the incoming Minister and assured him of the commitment of the Ministry’s leadership and staff to supporting his mandate, while acknowledging Bangura’s service to the institution.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Samuel E. B. Momoh, and the Senior Deputy Financial Secretary similarly emphasised continuity, professionalism and institutional collaboration in strengthening public financial management.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts to former Minister Bangura in recognition of his service and contribution to the Ministry of Finance and the Government of Sierra Leone.
