New Secretary to President Mr Baba Brima Fortune in handshake with President Bio just after taking his oath of office at State House
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Friday 13 June 2025 at State House, Freetown presided over the formal swearing-in of Mr. Barba Brima Fortune as the new secretary to the president, marking a significant addition to the leadership team at the highest level of public administration in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony, held at State House in Freetown, was conducted in accordance with Section 67(4) of the constitution of Sierra Leone, which mandates that the Secretary to the President must take and subscribe to the oath of office before assuming duties.
Delivering the introductory remarks, secretary to the cabinet and head of the civil service, Mr. John Sumailah, underscored the constitutional importance of the occasion, describing it as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to upholding democratic and institutional procedures.
Mr Baba Brima Fortune taking oath of office at State House
In his address following the oath-taking, Mr. Fortune expressed deep appreciation to president Bio for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his steadfast loyalty and service to the presidency and the nation at large.
I consider this appointment the highest honour in public service, Mr. Fortune said, with 32 years of unbroken service to Sierra Leone, I am both humbled and ready to embrace the weight of this responsibility.
Reflecting on his years of public service, Mr. Fortune highlighted his longstanding collaboration with the office of the vice president over the past seven years, he credited the vice president’s leadership and mentorship for shaping his perspective and professional discipline in governance.
Mr Fortune flanked by President Bio, VP Jalloh, and CM Sengeh
I am especially grateful for the vice president’s guidance, which has been instrumental in my journey to this point, he added. Mr. Fortune emphasized his commitment to a professional, accountable, and forward-looking civil service, which he described as the cornerstone of governance and national development.
The civil service remains the backbone of state continuity, while it is often seen as conservative, it must remain open to reform and innovation to meet the evolving needs of governance, he said.
He further assured president Bio that under his leadership as Secretary to the President, the office would uphold the values of neutrality, integrity, and institutional memory, which are essential for effective statecraft, in his response, president Julius Maada Bio warmly congratulated Mr. Fortune on his appointment, describing him as an experienced and capable public servant well equipped for the demanding role.
You are not new to this environment, the president said, the responsibilities are great, but I have every confidence that you will execute them with professionalism, wisdom, and patriotism, president Bio emphasized the central role of the public service as the engine of government, both in Sierra Leone and globally, he noted that reforming and strengthening the sector is a top priority for his administration.
To achieve meaningful progress, the public service must evolve to become more efficient, responsive, and accountable, he added. You have my full support in advancing this agenda, president Bio reaffirmed his government’s dedication to building a transformed public service that delivers results and aligns with the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.
This government is committed to governance that works. And that begins with a public service that is fit for purpose, he declared.The ceremony concluded with expressions of hope and determination from both President Bio and Mr. Fortune, setting the tone for renewed energy within the office of the President as the country looks ahead to important national reforms.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 16TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
