Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has officially announced the appointment of a new 14-member Bougainville Executive Council recently, the announcement of the cabinet marked what he described as the beginning of a new chapter in Bougainville’s leadership and governance.
The new Cabinet is as follows:
• President Ishmael Toroama – Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mining, Communications and State-Owned Enterprises
• Hon. Ezekiel Masatt – Vice President; Minister responsible for Justice and Independence Mission Implementation (Member for Tonsu Constituency)
• Hon. Patrick Nisira – Minister responsible for Infrastructure & Utilities (Member for Halia Constituency)
• Hon. Albert Punghau – Minister responsible for Treasury & Finance (Member for Motuna Huyono Tokunutui Constituency)
• Hon. Amanda Masono – Minister responsible for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change (Minister for Atolls Constituency)
• Hon. Paul Cheung – Minister responsible for Community Government (Member for Selau Constituency)
• Hon. Thomas Pataaku – Minister responsible for Public Service (Member for Ramu Constituency)
• Hon. Melvin Wilolopa – Minister responsible for Community Development, Youth, Churches and Sports (Member for Lato Constituency)
• Hon. Willie Masiu – Minister responsible for Police and Correctional Services (Member for Wisai Constituency)
• Hon. Delourdes Semoso – Minister responsible for Health (Member for North Bougainville Womens)
• Hon. Robin Wilson – Minister responsible for Commerce, Trade, Industry and Education (Member for Barawa Constituency)
• Hon. Linus Dake Jnr – Minister responsible for Veteran Affairs (Member for South Bougainville Veterans)
• Hon. Clarence Dency – Minister responsible for Primary Industries (Member for Eivo Torau Constituency)
• Hon. Henry Potabu – Minister responsible for Lands, Physical Planning, Environment & Conservation (Member for North Nasioi Constituency)
The swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet was held recently before the presence of Magistrate Bruce Tasikul, Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, ABG Chief Secretary, departmental heads, and senior officials including development partners.
In his official address to the new cabinet, President Toroama congratulated the newly appointed ministers but also reminding them that their call to serve was not merely to govern, but to lead with integrity and discipline.
“The people of Bougainville have entrusted you with a sacred duty. You are being called not simply to govern, but to lead.”
“And in leadership, there is no room for complacency, self-interest, or division,” President Toroama said.
He emphasized that the new Executive Council must demonstrate loyalty—first to the Constitution of Bougainville, and ultimately to the people of Bougainville.
“Loyalty must mean fidelity to the Constitution of Bougainville, to the guiding principles of good governance, and to the dreams of every Bougainvillean in every corner of our land,” the President said.
“Listen to the people’s voices, respect their customs and serve their interests. Let your words and actions reflect the mandate they have given us to lead Bougainville to a better future.”
President Toroama also reminded the ministers of the government’s central goal of achieving Independence Readiness by 2027, urging them to work with urgency and purpose.
“Our vision is bold and non-negotiable—Bougainville will be Independence-Ready by 2027,” he stated.
“We have just under two years to build the systems, pass the laws, train the people, and prove to the world—and to ourselves—that we are ready to govern a free and independent Bougainville.”
He further challenged all ministers to take ownership of their portfolios and deliver measurable outcomes, announcing a six-month performance review period for all cabinet members starting on the day of official appointments.
Toroama further added that the performance of each minister will be assessed based on their ability to deliver outcomes, improve departmental functions, and contribute meaningfully to the Independence Readiness Agenda,” he said.
“This is not symbolic; this is a serious warning. Should you fail to perform your duties to the standard expected, you will be removed from office.”
“The people of Bougainville deserve nothing less than our best efforts.”
