Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today announced a major Cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening Government performance and ensuring the administration delivers on its commitments during the remaining months before the 2027 National General Election.
The Prime Minister said the changes followed extensive consultations with ministers and were designed to place the right leaders in the right portfolios to accelerate service delivery and improve government performance.
Difficult But Necessary Decisions
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that reshuffling Cabinet was one of the most difficult responsibilities of any Prime Minister.
“It is never easy to make changes to Cabinet, especially when you have worked closely with colleagues over many years.
“These are leaders who have served alongside me in Government and who have carried enormous responsibilities on behalf of our country.
“I know the burden ministers carry. Sadly, I have seen colleagues who served with me in the past pass away after carrying the weight and pressure of public office.
“I also recognise that some ministers need to spend more time serving their electorates, while others need time to focus on their health and personal wellbeing. These have not been easy decisions, but they are necessary.”
Prime Minister Marape said with only about eight months remaining before the issue of writs, Government must remain focused on results.
“The months ahead are not about politics. They are about governing, delivering outcomes and completing the commitments we have made to our people.
“This reshuffle is about ensuring we have the right people in the right places to finish this term strongly.”
Tribute To Hon. Kessy Sawang
Prime Minister Marape paid tribute to Hon. Kessy Sawang, who has been relieved of her ministerial responsibilities to allow her to fully recover following recent health challenges.
“I sincerely thank Hon. Kessy Sawang for her outstanding contribution to my Government. Her health comes first, and I know she will continue serving the people of Rai Coast with dedication.”
Ministers Leaving Cabinet
The Prime Minister thanked the following ministers for their service:
• Hon. Kessy Sawang
• Hon. Sekie Agisa
• Hon. Joe Kuli
• Hon. Lucas Dawa Dekena
• Hon. Timothy Masiu
• Hon. Simon Kilepa
“I sincerely thank each of these ministers for their loyalty, commitment and service over the past four years.”
New Cabinet Appointments
Prime Minister Marape announced the appointment of:
• Hon. Robert Naguri (Bogia) – Minister for Information and Communications Technology
• Hon. John Kaupa (Moresby North-East) – Minister for Environment and Conservation
• Hon. Saki Soloma (Okapa) – Minister for Labour and Employment
• Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa – Minister for Civil Aviation
• Hon. Francis Kikin Siune (Kerowagi) – Minister for Education
• Hon. Agena Gamai (Delta Fly) – Minister for Livestock
Ministerial Portfolio Changes
The Prime Minister also announced:
• Dr Billy Joseph becomes Minister for Health and assumes responsibility for Disaster and Emergency Services.
• Hon. Elias Kapavore becomes Minister for Defence.
• Hon. William Bando becomes Minister for Immigration.
• Hon. Wake Goi assumes responsibility for Commerce and Industry.
• Hon. Miki Kaeok assumes responsibility for Coffee alongside Transport.
• Prime Minister Marape will personally oversee Correctional Service, National Volunteer Service and Sports.
The Labour Mobility Unit will also transfer from Treasury to the Ministry for Labour and Employment.
Prime Minister Marape further confirmed that Hon. Win Daki will remain a Minister without Portfolio pending the completion of the independent audit into the Government’s SME funding programme. The Prime Minister said the arrangement would remain in place until the audit process is completed and its findings are received.
“Every minister has been given clear expectations. The remaining months of this Government will be about results. Our people expect performance, and that is exactly what we intend to deliver.”