Omar Bangura, Saybom Kanu, Others Sacked
In a decisive move reflecting his commitment to governance reforms, President Julius Maada Bio has terminated the appointments of three prominent government officials.
They include Youth Minister, Mohamed Orman Bangura, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Moriba Koroma, and Mohamed Saybom Kanu, Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Shipping Company. President Bio’s action underscores the administration’s dedication to accountability and effective public service delivery.
Appointed as the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura has been an active figure in promoting youth engagement in agriculture and entrepreneurship. In August 2023, he advocated for modernizing agriculture by introducing innovative methods and equipment, aiming to shift youth perceptions of the sector. He also initiated training programs designed to equip young people with skills relevant to the extractive industry.
In May 2024, Bangura announced a World Bank-funded initiative under the National Youth Commission to create 7,000 job opportunities for youths, reflecting efforts to tackle unemployment and promote self-reliance among Sierra Leone’s young population.
However, his tenure faced criticism from within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). A notable incident involved a vocal SLPP supporter from Moyamba District, who publicly labeled Bangura as “incompetent” and accused him of failing to address critical youth issues, including the rising problem of drug addiction. Allegations also surfaced regarding the misuse of donor funds intended for youth development projects.
Moriba Koroma was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs in August 2023, as part of President Bio’s post-election cabinet expansion. His role encompassed supporting internal security and administrative functions within the ministry.
Information regarding the tenure and contributions of Mohamed Saybom Kanu as the Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Shipping Company. He was appointed Managing Director of SLSC in 2018, when President Bio won his first term as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The removal of these officials signal President Bio’s intent to address internal challenges and enhance the effectiveness of his administration. By holding public servants accountable, the President aims to restore public trust and ensure that governmental actions align with the nation’s development agenda.
These dismissals follow a pattern of recent governmental changes aimed at strengthening institutional integrity and performance. It could be recalled in February 2025, President Bio dismissed two officials within a 24-hour period: Alimamy Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, following a drug-related incident, and Dr. Eldred Tunde Taylor, the Deputy Minister of Energy (1), amidst efforts to reform the energy sector.
As the country continues to navigate its development trajectory, these decisive actions reflect a commitment to good governance and the eradication of corruption. The administration’s focus on accountability is expected to pave the way for more transparent and effective public service delivery, fostering an environment conducive to national growth, and stability.
