MONROVIA, November 17 (LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made a number of new appointments in government affecting the Ministries of Public Works, Education and Health, and the National Investment Commission.
According to an Executive Mansion release, in a special nation-wide address on Sunday, November 16, the Liberian President emphasized that as government continues to combat the Ebola virus and strives to achieve the national objective of zero-new-cases by Christmas, Government must also attend to the difficult task of recovery.
She indicated that doing so requires a team that is adaptable, responsive, disciplined, loyal, and focused “a team that is understanding of the prevailing challenges, and are resolved to respond by taking appropriate risks to get things done on time.”
President Sirleaf added, “It is my job to continuously vet and ready such a team for the challenges we currently face and those that lie ahead.”
A few officials were transferred or reassigned, signifying her recognition of their capabilities and performance, while others were dropped from where they served, but will be given appropriate opportunities to continue to serve their country.
“I am deeply grateful for the services and contributions of all of those who have
served or continue to serve,” the Liberian leader said.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, she said the Government and people of Liberia are not short on expectation that going forward will be spent not only on catching up and continuing with the transformational agenda of the country but also to exploring creative new approaches by which they deliver on the agenda within the limited time of our stewardship.
President Sirleaf expressed the hope that the team will take the country to the finishing line, but warned, “ make no mistake: As Captain, I will not hesitate to change anyone who fails to meet our expectations.”
Those appointed at the Ministry of Public Works are Mr. William Gyude
Moore, Minister and Mr. Roland Giddings, Deputy Minister for Administration.
The new Minister of Education is Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell and Dr. Nancy Freeman as Deputy Minister for Administration, while Mr. Anthony Nimely was named Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development
Former Education Minister Mrs. Etmonia David Tarpeh has been appointed Chairperson of the National Investment Commission,.
Civil Service Agency Director General George Werner now becomes Minister of Health, while Dr. Walter Gwenigale will continue to serve as Advisor to the President until his planned retirement in February.
Mrs. Julia Duncan-Cassell retained her post as Minister at the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, while Mr. Peter Roberts is now Deputy Minister for Administration; Ms. Sienne Abdul-Baki, Deputy Minister for Gender; Mrs. Mardia Martin Wiles, Deputy Minister for Policy, Planning & Technical Services and Mrs. Lydia Sherman, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection.
Others include Dr. Wede Brownell, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Albratha Doe, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, while Mr. Bushuben M. Keita has been appointed Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Transport.
At the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Cyril Allen, Jr. becomes Deputy Minister for Commerce, while Mr. Mohammed Turay becomes Assistant Minister for Industry.
Ms. Candace Eastman becomes Commissioner of the National Aids Commission, replacing Ms. Wessehdi Sio-Njoh.
According to the release, Mr. Ramses Kumbuyah becomes Deputy Minister for Administration of the Ministry of Youth and Sports replacing Ms. Jacqueline Capehart, while at the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy, Mr. Zack Sharpe becomes Deputy Minister for Administration.
Mr. Andrew Tehmeh becomes Deputy Information Minister for Administration replacing Norris Tweah, who moves on to the University of Liberia, while, Ms. Gbemie Horace Kollie becomes Deputy Internal Affairs Minister for Operations replacing Mr. Ranney Jackson.
At the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ms. Margretta Smith-General becomes Assistant Minister for Administration replacing Mr. James Cooper.
Others appointed include Mr. Ledgerhood Rennie, Director-General, Liberia Broadcasting System; Mr. Patrick Honnah, Deputy Director-General for Broadcasting and Mr. Christopher Sellee, Deputy Director-General for Rural Broadcasting .
LINA