President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Friday presided over the official swearing-in of two newly appointed Deputy Ministers during a ceremony at State House in Freetown. The event marked the formal induction of Mr. David Fortune as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Mr. Paul Hingha Augustine Charles Tucker as Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation.
The swearing-in, conducted in accordance with Section 57 of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, follows parliamentary approval of the nominees, who were vetted after being nominated by the President. The Constitution requires all Ministers and Deputy Ministers to take and subscribe to the oath of office before assuming their official duties.
Secretary to the President, Mr. Barba Brima Fortune, opened the ceremony by outlining its purpose. He confirmed that the appointees had successfully passed through all legal and parliamentary procedures, thus qualifying them for formal assumption of office.
Speaking on behalf of the two new deputy ministers, Mr. Paul Tucker expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bio for the confidence placed in them. He pledged their commitment to supporting their supervising ministers and contributing meaningfully to the government’s policy agenda.
“This appointment is not just an honor but a responsibility to serve with purpose,” Tucker stated. “We recognize that we are entering service at a time of heightened expectations and pressing challenges. We are committed to upholding the trust placed in us by demonstrating hard work, integrity, and innovation.”
President Bio, in his remarks, congratulated the new officials and highlighted the broader context in which they are assuming their roles. He noted that Sierra Leone, like many nations, is currently grappling with resource constraints driven by global geopolitical and economic shifts. In light of these realities, he urged the new deputy ministers to bring innovative thinking to their respective offices.
“You are assuming leadership at a critical moment,” the President said. “Despite external pressures and financial limitations, we must remain focused on delivering results for our people. I encourage you to leverage your unique skills, propose fresh ideas, and develop practical solutions that align with our local realities.”
The President emphasized that governance today requires more than traditional approaches, pointing to the need for agility, collaboration, and strategic planning in achieving sustainable development outcomes. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments and good governance as central to building public trust and institutional effectiveness.
The swearing-in comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to improve public service delivery, enhance security, and drive digital transformation. The new Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs is expected to work closely with the ministry to address national security, civil registration, and local governance matters. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation will be instrumental in advancing Sierra Leone’s digital agenda, including broadband access, tech-driven education, and e-governance reforms.
As the ceremony concluded, President Bio encouraged both ministers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and transparency. He reminded them that their roles are not only administrative but also symbolic of a public service ethos built on humility, accountability, and national pride.
The event underscored the administration’s ongoing drive to reinforce leadership capacity across key sectors as Sierra Leone navigates a complex global environment and strives to meet its national development goals.
Courtesy : State House Media and Communications Unit
