Parliament Approves New NPAA Executive Director and Four Other Presidential Nominees

By Emmanuel Mbowa

Freetown, 21^st January, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s Parliament has approved five presidential nominees following the debate and adoption of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.

Among those endorsed is Mr. Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, who now assumes the role of Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA). His appointment drew particular attention during the debate, with Members of Parliament urging him to tackle longstanding leadership challenges and strengthen discipline within the institution.

Hon. Yusuf Machery of Bo District emphasized the need for reform, stating that the NPAA has faced difficulties for years. “We expect the new Executive Director to focus on reforming the institution and instilling discipline,” he said. Similarly, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District highlighted persistent environmental challenges across the country, urging Tunis to ensure the NPAA delivers on its mandate.

The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Momoh Rogers, described Tunis as “hardworking, diligent, and devoted to his job,” assuring the House of his confidence in the nominee’s ability to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development. Deputy Leader of Government Business 1, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, also singled him out, calling him “a man committed and devoted to the development and growth of Sierra Leone.”

Alongside Tunis, Parliament approved: Mrs. Marion Joy Emerald Nyanda Gouldson, Member, Board of Directors Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency, Ms. Fatmata Deveh Khellah, Member, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Mr. Leslie Gordon Brown, Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Ms. Mumunatu Kadi Sawi, Member, Board of Directors, Produce Monitoring Board

Presenting the nominees, Hon. Nyuma explained that all were interviewed under oath and scrutinized on their experience, track records, tax obligations, asset declarations, and vision for productive service. He noted that the Committee’s report reflected unanimous approval.

Debate across the House underscored expectations for the nominees to prioritize national interests, improve institutional performance, and embrace transformational leadership. Hon. Mariam Munia Zombo welcomed the appointment of more women, stressing their experience and capacity to deliver. The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, meanwhile, urged teamwork among the appointees, remarking, “Regardless of academic qualifications, if you are not working together, you will not succeed.”

Concluding the debate, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina praised the President for appointing more women to positions of trust and encouraged all nominees to “carry transformational leadership to your various offices.”