Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has underscored the government’s commitment to delivering development for the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), emphasizing the responsibility of the six newly-appointed ministers and those reshuffled.
The PM made the six new ministerial appointments and reshuffled Cabinet on Thursday, 18th January.
“My government is now into its second year in office, and I want to remind the new ministers and those reshuffled that our job is to deliver development to our people,” PM Marape reiterated.
He further highlighted in a statement that the strategic placement of ministers to ensure specific sectors are revitalized and operating at full capacity.
“Those appointed are expected to step up and deliver in their respective roles,” he asserted.
Marape emphasized the equal importance of all ministries, stating that there is no big minister or small ministry; all ministers are the same.
“In a house of equals, some were picked ahead of others, considering regional and political party balances in our government coalition. I also considered young leaders, taking into account that they are the future.”
The newly appointed ministers are as follows:
• Koroba-Kopiago MP William Bando (United Resources Party) as Coffee Minister.
• Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr. Billy Joseph (Social Democratic Party) as Defence Minister.
• Popondetta MP Richard Masere (Greens Party) as Key Constitutional Offices Minister.
• Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Muguwa Dilu (Pangu Pati) as Mining Minister.
• Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina (Pangu Pati) as Petroleum Minister.
• Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito (Pangu Pati) as Agriculture Minister.
Notable changes include, Defence Minister Win Daki (Pangu Pati) who was reassigned to Commerce and Industry, filling the vacancy left by the court ousting of former minister Henry Amuli as well as Coffee Minister Joe Kuli (United Resources Party), who has been moved to Correctional Services.
Additionally, the Internal Security portfolio, encompassing Police and Correctional Services, has been divided, with Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr (Pangu Pati) focusing exclusively on Police.
Meanwhile, the PM disclosed adjustments to major portfolios:
• Prime Minister Marape assumes the role of Treasury Minister, with Ian Ling-Stuckey providing support.
• Mining Minister Ano Pala (Pangu Pati) becomes Minister for National Planning, leading to the division of the Finance and National Planning portfolio. Rainbo Paita (Pangu Pati) remains as Minister for Finance.
• Moresby-South MP Justin Tkatchenko (Social Democratic Party) resumes the role of Foreign Affairs Minister.
• The Petroleum and Energy portfolio is split, with Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina (Pangu Pati) becoming Petroleum Minister, while Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua (PNG National Party) continues as Energy Minister.