In a move to ensure government stability and ensure accountability, the Prime Minister James Marape has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, announcing 6 new Ministers will be joining the government caucus and a major facelift to government ministries.
The reshuffle, according to the Prime Minister, is to strengthen government capacity to deliver their plans outlined in the 2024 budget and represents the coalition between the Pangu led Government and other major parties.
The Marape-Rosso Government Ministerial reshuffle sees Koroba-Kopiago MP, William Bando take over the reins from former Minister, Joe Kuli to become the Coffee Minister, Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr William Joseph as Defence Minister with Win Bakri Daki being reassigned to Commerce and Industry.
Popondetta MP Richard Masere takes up a new role as the Key Constitutional Offices Minister, where the move sees the PNG Electoral Commission, the National Statistics Office and the Independent Commission against Corruption fall under this ministry.
Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Muguwa Dilu, is now the new Mining Minister, one of the new ministries introduced after the separation of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, this leaves Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina who takes over as Petroleum Minister.
Kerenga Kua has been given the Ministerial Portfolio of Energy.
Former Coffee Minister Joe Kuli has moved to Correctional Services whilst Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr will focus exclusively on Police.
Prime Minister Marape assumes the role of Treasury Minister with Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey becoming the Minister assisting the Prime Minister.
Former Mining Minister Ano Pala becomes Minister for National Planning, while Rainbo Paita remains as Minister for Finance.
The most notable change however would be the return of Moresby-South MP Justin Tkatchenko as the Foreign Affairs Minister.
A move that Prime Minister Marape stated is timely as he believes the MP has proved himself worthy to be a Minister once again.
Meanwhile, John Boito is Agriculture Minister following the voluntary stepping aside of Aiye Tambua due to charges against him.
New Ministers welcomed into the Cabinet are Jimmy Maladina, Richard Masere, John Boito, Muguwa Dilu, William Bando & Billy Joseph.