Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced that his government is entering a period of performance-based Cabinet realignment as Papua New Guinea moves into what he described as a decisive “year of reset” following the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary.
Speaking at Government House after the swearing-in of Kompiam-Ambum MP Hon. Sir John Pundari, Tewai-Siassi MP Hon. Dr Kobby Bomareo and Menyamya MP Hon. Solen Loifa as Ministers of State, Prime Minister Marape said the appointments were both a recognition of political balance in the coalition and a strategic move to strengthen government delivery in 2026.
The Prime Minister congratulated the three ministers, describing them as experienced and emerging leaders whose inclusion would add depth and stability to Cabinet.
“They are esteemed men, leaders in their own right… and on behalf of our government we congratulate the three and want to commend them for their patience and commitment to making our country a better place,” he said.
Experience and Youth Brought Together
Prime Minister Marape said Sir John Pundari, one of the longest-serving MPs in Parliament, would bring invaluable institutional knowledge back into Cabinet, noting that his parliamentary service dates back to 1992, making him one of the most senior politicians in the current House.
“The country needs help from experienced hands… and Sir Pundari is not new to the business of being in Cabinet,” the Prime Minister said. At the same time, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the appointment of Hon. Solen Loifa as part of a deliberate effort to bring a new generation of leaders into the national executive.
“He belongs to the cadre of young emerging leaders… who must be brought into Cabinet to prepare them to lead even when some of us are out of time,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Loifa had previously served as a Vice-Minister, and his elevation, the Prime Minister said, reflects both merit and the growing role of younger MPs within the governing coalition.
Coalition Balance and Party Recognition
Prime Minister Marape also said the appointments reflected the importance of political balance within the Marape–Roso Government, particularly recognising the role of Our Party, which he said is now the second-largest bloc in the coalition.
“Some of the key reforms that were made would not have been passed without the numerical strength and contribution of Our Party,” he said, adding that the party had been “strong and solid” in supporting the Government’s agenda over the past year.
Portfolio Announcements to Follow
While confirming that the three MPs are now members of Cabinet, Prime Minister Marape said their specific ministerial portfolios will be announced on Wednesday morning at 9.30am before Cabinet meets.
“At this point in time this afternoon I will not be announcing exactly where the three gentlemen are slotted into Cabinet… but they have a place in Cabinet,” he said.
He explained that three vacancies currently exist following two resignations linked to the Morobe Governorship contest and the passing of the late Hon. Solan Mirisim, and that careful consideration is being given to how best to deploy the new ministers.
Performance Reviews and 2026 Reset
Prime Minister Marape also signalled that broader changes are coming, telling ministers to prepare health and performance reports on their 2025 delivery as Government sharpens its focus for 2026.
“This is a year of reset… and while we may not achieve all in 2026, a substantial pendulum of progress must be done,” he said.
He indicated that further portfolio reallocations and possible Cabinet reshuffles may take place over the coming weeks as the Government seeks to maximise talent, experience and performance ahead of the next national election.
Prime Minister Marape closed by congratulating the three new ministers and welcoming Sir John Pundari and Dr Bomareo back into Cabinet, while encouraging Hon. Solen Loifa to prove himself as one of the country’s next-generation leaders.
“There is no training place for a person to be a leader of a country — you learn on the job,” he said.