Liberia: Cabinet Reshuffle Kicks Off

President Sir leaf

 My Fellow Liberians:

A few months ago, we announced that we would undertake the reorganization of the Executive with special emphasis on the Cabinet. Our consideration was informed by the duty we owe to you, our people, and to the execution of the mandate we were popularly given to promote the overall development of our country. It has taken me a while, but, finally, the process to reorganize the Cabinet is now under way.

I have reflected deeply, and I have reflected long.  You will note from the list to be presented that many of our young people have been appointed or reappointed. This is because while I and others can expect them to occasionally err in the exercise of their duties, the truth remains that the future of whatever we do today will belong to this youthful generation.

It is time that our young people begin to work with us – to take on more and more responsibility for the future of our country – and to deepen their understanding of exactly where we are headed, the challenge associated with getting us there, and the discipline and dedication that will be required.

Another important consideration by which I have undertaken this assignment is to continue to achieve a balance in the Administration along lines of gender, ethnicity, religion and age. This consideration continues to guide our actions in this and other conduct of the affairs of the State.

Yet we have to place premium on the criteria of competence, integrity, commitment and loyalty. By loyalty, I mean that which is not only owed to an individual or to a political party but loyalty to the aspiration of our national vision and to the improvement in the lives of our people. Quite simply, I expect the loyalty and commitment of each member of the Executive to primarily extend to the implementation of our ambitious transformative agenda, and to improving the lives of our people.

My Fellow Citizens:

I have transferred some individuals from one area of responsibility to another, and a few have not been reappointed. This action is intended to provide an opportunity to bring new dynamisms to new responsibilities. In cases where some individuals have not been reappointed, it is mostly because they are better suited to pursue their professions in other areas of endeavor. I thank all of these individuals for their various services to our country, and to those who are not returning to the Administration, best wishes in their future undertakings.

I charge all of those appointed or reappointed to observe these criteria seriously, and always attend to their duties diligently, so that our reorganized team remains in place for the duration of this Administration. However, let there be no mistake: I will not hesitate to make a change if anyone does not rise to the commitment of this Administration and to the challenge of their respective portfolios.

With that, I am pleased to nominate the following persons today, and will make additional nominations and appointments over the next few days.

May God continue to bless our country.

Ministry of Labor:
Sie-A-Yeaneh Youh                   - Minister

Ministry of Youth & Sports
Mr. Eugene Nagbe                     - Minister

Ministry of Transport
Mr. Tornolah Varpilah            -  Minister

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Mr. Axel Addy                        -  Minister
Ms. Candace Eastman            - Deputy Minister, Commerce & Industry
Mr. Cyril Allen, II                  - Deputy Minister, Administration

Civil Service Agency:
Mr. George Werner                 - Director General

Ministry of Justice
Ms. Betty Lamin Blamo         - Deputy Minister/Solicitor General

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Una Thompson               -    Deputy Minister for Administration
Mr. Elias Shoniyin                -    Deputy Minister for International Cooperation
Dr. C. William Allen              -    Ambassador

Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Ms. Vabah Gayflor              -    Director-General of the Cabinet

Ministry of Education:
Mr. Edwin Kennedy Tetteh    - Deputy Minister, Administration
Dr. Khalifa Bility                    - Deputy Minister, Planning, Research & Development
Ms. Hawah Goll-Kotchi          - Deputy Minister, Instruction

Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy:
Mr. Stephen B. Dorbor, Sr.    - Deputy Minister, Planning and Human Resource Dev.
Ms. Mariam Kaba                  - Assistant Minister, Energy

Ministry of Internal Affairs
Mr. Amos Tweh              - Deputy Minister, Urban Affairs

National Social Security & Welfare Corporation
Mr. Dewitt von Ballmoos       - Director General
Mr. Nya Twayen                    - Deputy Director General

Liberia Institute for Public Administration
Mr. Oblayon B. Nyemah         - Director General

National Bureau of Veteran Affairs
Rtd. BG Rudolf F. Kolaco, Sr.    - Director General
Rtd. Col. Railey Karkor              - Deputy Director General, Administration

Monrovia Consolidated School System
Mr. Benjamin A. Jacobs        - Superintendent