By Sorie Fofana
When Dr. Austin Demby was appointed as Minister of Health and Sanitation, one newspaper commentator described him as ‘a new broom’ sent to clean up the Ministry. Dr Demby set himself the arduous task of establishing a delivery team in his Ministry full of special advisers to get things done and done properly and speedily. His determination to kick the can down the road was resisted by those who are opposed to change in the Ministry. His two deputies and Chief Medical Officer have lost the battle. They have all been removed from the Ministry. Dr Demby is one of the biggest winners in this latest Cabinet reshuffle.
The appointment of Alhaji Alpha Kanu as Resident Minister with Cabinet rank is a major political coup. He is a leading member of the main opposition APC party. He held several senior Cabinet positions in the APC led administration of Ernest Bai Koroma. He was a flag bearer aspirant of the APC party in 2018. His appointment as Resident Minister North/West with a Cabinet rank shows President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s determination to continue to diversify and make his Government more inclusive.
The appointment of Mrs. Princess Dugba, a UK-trained and professional Health personnel as Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation is a move in the right direction. She is a lady of great integrity.
The appointment of Sadiq Sillah as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt is well thought out. He is a seasoned administrator and a man of great integrity.
The appointment of Hon. General (Rtd) KES Boyah from Kono district as Resident Minister for the Eastern Region is a great political move by President Bio. General (Rtd) KES Boyah served as SLPP Member of Parliament for Kono district for two consecutive terms. He is held in high esteem in his home district of Kono for his straightforward disposition and political forthrightness.
With this latest Cabinet reshuffle, the party is over for the APC. There is no way the APC party can put up a strong and united force in 2023. The game is up! They should now prepare for 2028. 2023 is done and dusted!!!!
