Liberia: ‘New Cabinet’ Far from Untouchable

President Sirleaf recently warned Cabinet officials to lead, follow or get out

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf yesterday began what she herself hopes might turn out to be the team that would bring her administration to a crowning success when she rides off into the sunset at the end of her tenure, a few years from now.

First, she made it plain that she had only begun putting together that ‘dream team.’ However, she was quick to point out, however, those that fail to ‘fit the bill,’ (play the role) those that might be better suited for other career pursuits, or those that might simply fail to measure up to the challenges to help fashion the appropriate legacy that befits this administration, by doing their utmost, (being the best they can be) had better start looking for the nearest exit.

President Sirleaf made it crystal clear that she would have no compunction (qualms, hesitation, regrets) about dropping off those new appointees that will fail to muster (rally, put together) the patriotism, pride and will, to meet the challenge of leaving behind something all Liberians will all be proud of.

And so, the long-awaited cabinet reshuffle finally kicked off yesterday, affecting mainly the Ministries of Labor, Youth and Sports, Transport, Commerce and Industry with an emphasis on youth and the dynamism and hope that this new dispensation (era, period of change) cannot do without, according to Mrs. Sirleaf.

So, far only Ms. Miatta Besolow, former Minister of Commerce & Industry, seems to have been axed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the first leg of her Cabinet reshuffle. Ms. Besolow has been replaced by

Mr. Axel Addy.  The President didn’t say what became of Ms. Besolow who had been heading the country’s commerce and industry for a little over four years now---after she replaced Olubanke King-Akerele, who took over the Foreign Ministry at that point.

Ms. Candace Eastman now becomes the new deputy minister of the Ministry Commerce & Industry and Mr. Cyril Allen, II takes up the post of deputy minister for Administration of the Ministry of Commerce.

As Vabah Gayflor moved on to become the director-general of the Cabinet at Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs; Sie-A-Yeaneh Yuoh steps in as the new Minister of Labor. 

Mr. Eugene Nagbe will now head the Ministry of Youth & Sports as the next minister, as Mr. Tornolah Varpilah takes over the Ministry of Transport as minister.

The President announced yesterday that Dr. C. William Allen is now an Ambassador, as Mr. George Werner takes over the Civil Service Agency as director general. Ms. Betty Lamin Blamo replaces Mr. Wilkins Wright as Liberia’s Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice. Mr. Wright resigned that post recently.

In a brief statement delivered yesterday, President Johnson Sirleaf said “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.”

The President revealed that she had reflected deeply, and 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,” she said.

“It is time that our young people began 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,” the President said. “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,” the President stressed.

With that said, the President went on to announce that she has transferred some individuals from one area of responsibility to another, and a few have not been reappointed. This action, she added, is intended to provide an opportunity to bring new dynamism to new responsibilities. According to her, 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,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, women’s rights activist Ms. Una Thompson has been named deputy minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms. Thompson heads the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET).

Ms. Hawah Goll-Kotchi was sent back to the Ministry of Education as deputy minister of Instruction. 

Others appointed include Mr. Edwin Kennedy Tetteh, deputy minister for Administration, Ministry of Education; Dr. Khalifa Bility, deputy minister of Planning, Research & Development, Ministry of Education; Mr. Elias Shoniyin, deputy minister of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Stephen B. Dorbor, Sr., deputy minister of Planning and Human Resource Dev., Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy and Ms. Mariam Kaba, Assistant Minister of Energy, Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy.

The rest are Mr. Amos Tweh, deputy minister for Urban Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs; Mr. Dewitt von Ballmoos, director general, National Social Security & Welfare Corporation; Mr. Nya Twayen, deputy director general, National Social Security & Welfare Corporation; Mr. Oblayon B. Nyemah, director general, Liberia Institute for Public Administration; Rtd. BG Rudolf F. Kolaco, Sr., director general, National Bureau of Veteran Affairs; Rtd. Col. Railey Karkor, deputy director general for Administration, National Bureau of Veteran Affairs; and Mr. Benjamin A. Jacobs, superintendent, Monrovia Consolidated School System.