Who Will Succeed JJ Saffa As Finance Minister? - Global Times Newspaper

Since Brig. (Retd) Julius Maada Bio was elected Sierra Leone’s head of state in April 2018, JJ Saffa was widely tipped to become Finance Minister, though John Benjamin and Alhaji Kanja Sesay were also seen as front-runners. Saffa ultimately assumed the post and guided the fragile economy through the COVID-19 shock, with donor partners returning to funding programs and introducing new initiatives as confidence returned.

Two names have emerged as likely successors: John Benjamin, a seasoned administrator who has served as Chief Secretary of State and Finance Minister under past regimes, and Alhaji Kanja Sesay, currently Energy Minister and former Deputy Minister and NACSA Commissioner. Both figures are closely linked to President Bio and enjoy donor support but would need broad donor acceptance to govern Sierra Leone’s budget and reform programs.

Donor influence remains evident in Sierra Leone’s finance appointment history. The report notes that donors reportedly helped steer the 1998 appointment of Dr James Jonah, underscoring how critical the minister’s role is for development partners. With Saffa moving on as Chief Minister, Sierra Leoneans and donors alike await a decision that will shape policy dialogue and budgeting with international partners.