The 2007 elections are over. We now know that Ernest Koroma’s APC will be forming the next government. Congratulations President Ernest Bai Koroma. It is the latter’s prerogative to choose the people to serve in his cabinet. Nevertheless, I think Sierra Leone needs a small and effective cabinet. Large cabinets, among others have contributed to the backwardness of our beloved country. So, join the debate to downsize the current cabinet positions below. My proposed list follows this:-
1. President and Minister of Defence
2. Vice - President
3. Minister of Finance
4. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
6. Minister of Development and Economic Planning
7. Minister of Trade and Industry
8. Minister of Education, Science and Technology
9. Minister of Internal Affairs
10. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security
11. Minister of Marine Recourses
12. Minister of Health and Sanitation
13. Minister of Transport and Communications
14. Minister of Energy and Power
15. Minister of Works, Housing and Technical Maintenance
16. Minister of Mineral Resources
17. Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Social Security
18. Minister of Local Government
19. Minister of Information and Broadcasting
20. Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs
21. Minister of Lands, Country Planning, and the Environment
22. Minister of Parliamentary and Political Affairs
23. Minister of Tourism and Culture
24. Minister of Presidential Affairs
25. Minister of Youth and Sports
REGIONAL MINISTERS
Eastern Province
Northern Province
Southern Province
The following is my proposed list:
1. President and CIC
2. Vice President. His/her office should have responsibility for development and Economic Planning
3. Minister of Finance
4. Minister of Defence
5. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
6. Minister of Trade and Industry
7. Minister of Education, Youth and Sport
8. Minister of Internal Affairs and Local Government
9. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources
10. Minister of Health and the Environment
11. Minister of Transport and Communication, Energy and Power, Technical and Maintenance
12. Minister of Mineral Resources, Lands and Country Planning and Housing
13. Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
Non Ministerial Positions
Director of Youth and Sports
Director of Tourism and Culture
Attorney-General
Director of Justice
In my opinion, there should be no place for a Minister of Presidential Affairs. The Secretary to the President fulfills that role. No role for Regional Ministers. Their functions, if any, should be performed by Provincial Secretaries and others. There should be no place for Parliamentary and Political Affairs Ministers.
I have my doubts whether there should be a Minister of Justice or a Director for Justice.
Finally, there should be no place for Deputy Ministers. In the absence of a Cabinet Minister all questions could be addressed to the Permanent Secretary in that department.
Dear reader, which cabinet position do you want to "chop"? Why?
Mohamed Yongawo,
London, UK.
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