In a unanimous vote on Thursday, August 20, 2026, Parliament confirmed Karefa Ansumana Francis Kargbo as the new Minister of Finance, alongside eleven other presidential nominees. The approvals followed rigorous vetting by the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, which examined the nominees' experience, asset declarations, and policy visions .

As the country grapples with fiscal challenges, all eyes are now on the new Finance Minister. Recent government actions signal an ambitious reform agenda: a planned revision of the Public Financial Management Act to include innovative financing and climate funds, alongside efforts to curb foreign exchange spending to protect international reserves. Image description

Debate in Parliament centered on Kargbo's role in driving revenue mobilization. Hon. Mustapha Sellu urged him to prioritize domestic revenue generation, while Hon. P.C. Kangobai called for timely disbursement of funds to local councils .

Lawmakers stressed the need for fiscal discipline, with Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma emphasizing that "revenue must exceed expenditure" . The new Finance Minister will also oversee critical structural changes, including a major reform of the state power utility through private concession to reduce subsidy burdens .

The confirmed nominees include Umaru Napoleon Koroma as Minister of Employment, Abu M. Kanneh as NRA Commissioner-General,Jeneba J. Bangura as Deputy Foreign Minister and others.

Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma urged all appointees to place national interest first, while Speaker Ibrahim Tawa Conteh admonished them to work diligently for national development. Image description