The New Ireland Provincial Government on Monday 24th August, has officially welcomed Mr. Dennis Kosam as the new Acting Provincial Administrator (PA) following his appointment.
The handover ceremony marked the formal transition from outgoing Administrator Richard Andia, signaling a renewed focus on transparency and fiscal responsibility in public service.
The position had remained vacant since Mr. Andia’s resignation earlier this year in June 2026, leaving the province without an Administrator for several months. Kosam’s appointment was formalized through National Gazette No. G842, invoked under Section 73 (2A) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments. His term as Acting Administrator is set to last three months, running from August 24th through November 24, 2026.
The ceremony was witnessed by New Ireland Governor Byron Chan and key provincial government officials.
In his farewell address, outgoing Administrator Richard Andia expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the province over the past two years.
Andia took the moment to pay tribute to the late Sir Julius Chan, the former Governor who played a pivotal role in his career. He reflected on how Sir Julius brought him into the provincial administration in 2017, mentoring his professional growth and shaping his approach to public service.
Prior to his appointment as Provincial Administrator in 2023, Mr. Andia served in various high-ranking roles, including Director of Finance, Chief Executive Officer of Finance, and Acting Provincial Administrator. Although two years remained on his four-year term, Andia made the strategic decision to step down to pursue a new career path.
Despite his departure from the top administrative post, Andia pledged to remain in New Ireland as an ongoing consultant to the provincial government. He committed his full support to the incoming leadership, promising to assist in fulfilling the vision laid out by Sir Julius Chan.
Accepting the mantle of leadership, Acting Provincial Administrator Dennis Kosam emphasized that the role is one of duty rather than privilege. Speaking with humility and determination, Kosam outlined a clear vision for the administration: a shift away from self-interest toward genuine public service.
"The Provincial Administration must be a service institution, not a place of power and self-interest," Kosam declared during the ceremony.
Kosam issued a stern challenge to all public servants under his command, urging them to uphold strict financial controls and respect the public's purse. He stressed that every kina spent belongs to the people and must be managed with integrity. His administration will take a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, abuse of office, and resource waste.
"In this administration, officers must respect the law, government bodies, and the public we serve. We will distinguish between honest mistakes, negligence, and deliberate misconduct, but there will be no room for corruption,” Kosam stated.
Looking ahead, Kosam called for unity across the New Ireland public service. He promised a governance structure that operates without fear or favour, ensuring fair and transparent decision-making processes. As the province faces ongoing challenges, including the recent El Niño-induced water crises, Kosam’s arrival marks a critical juncture where strong, ethical leadership is needed to coordinate relief efforts and restore public trust.
With the administrative vacancy now filled, stakeholders in New Ireland are hopeful that the new acting administrator will bring stability and efficiency to the provincial government, paving the way for effective service delivery in the months ahead.
