Monrovia, Liberia – In a surprise reshuffle, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has dismissed Wilmot Paye as Minister of Mines and Energy, barely two years after his appointment. The President immediately nominated R. Matenokay Tingban, former Representative of Nimba County District #9, as Paye’s replacement.
An Executive Mansion statement issued late Monday said the changes are part of a broader shake-up affecting several key government institutions, as President Boakai seeks to “strengthen governance, improve institutional performance, and ensure accountability and efficiency” under his ARREST Agenda.
Wilmot Paye’s Ouster
The dismissal of Wilmot Paye, a former Unity Party chairman known for his fiery rhetoric comes amid reports of internal disagreements and performance concerns within the ministry.
Though the Executive Mansion did not provide specific reasons for his removal, the move has generated widespread speculation within political and administrative circles.
Paye’s tenure at the Ministry of Mines and Energy was marked by his strong public stance on mining governance, including recent warnings against illicit mining and calls for greater transparency in the sector. His departure, observers say, could signal a shift in how the Boakai administration intends to manage Liberia’s lucrative mineral industry.
New Appointments Across Government
In addition to Tingban’s nomination, President Boakai made a series of other appointments and changes across several ministries and agencies:
Ministry of Mines and Energy
R. Matenokay Tingban – Minister, Sumo Samuel Momolu – Assistant Minister for Mines, Samuel Summerville – Assistant Minister for Mining Exploration
Ministry of Education
Mr. Thomas Momo Parker – Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development and Oscar Gurtor Flomo – Assistant Minister for Planning, Research and Development
National Commission on Higher Education
Dr. Cecelia Cassell – Executive Director
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
• Ms. Agnes C. Marshall – Assistant Minister for Children and Social Protection
• Ms. Josephine Greaves – Assistant Minister for Research, Policy and Planning
Liberia Airport Authority (LAA)
President Boakai also accepted the resignation of Hon. Massaquoi Kamara, Chairman of the LAA Board, and directed the retirement of Managing Director Hon. Jeremiah Mends-Cole on medical grounds. Mr. Ernest R. Hughes – Managing Director and Mr. Nyan Mantein – Chairman of the Board
Other Appointments
A. Blamo Sieh – Co-Chair, Civil Service Agency Board of Appeal and Nelsco A. Wolo – Deputy Commissioner General for Administration, Liberia Immigration Service
Judiciary
Cllr. William G. Capehert – Judge, Traffic Court, Gbarnga City and Cllr. Eric Morlu – Judge, Debt Court, Lofa County, Cllr. Daniel D. Dolokelen – Judge, Debt Court, Bong County, Atty. Anthony Kollie – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Lofa County and Cllr. Rennie O. Moses – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Grand Gedeh County.
President Boakai Calls for Integrity and Diligence
President Boakai thanked the outgoing officials for their service and urged the new appointees to “serve with integrity, diligence, and a renewed sense of duty to the Liberian people.”
Officials say the latest reshuffle underscores the President’s ongoing effort to realign his administration and accelerate public sector reforms, as part of his commitment to good governance and effective service delivery.
