Bougainville President Toroama announces 14-member cabinet

A new executive government has been sworn in, completing the formation of the fifth Autonomous Bougainville Government, a fortnight after the conclusion of the 2025 Bougainville General Election.

President Ishmael Toroama named his 14-member cabinet yesterday, calling for loyalty to the ABG and service to the people.

The full Bougainville Executive Government represents a fair regional mix coupled with experience and competence.

Each of them swore and signed their oath of office before Senior Provincial Magistrate Bruce Tasikul.

While the 14-member composition of the cabinet has been maintained, there’ve been splits in some ministries with slight name changes.

Two females are also part of the 14-member executive government.

The only new ministry in this line-up is the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, highlighting the government’s recognition of former combatants.

The former Ministry of Primary Industries and Marine Resources, has been split.

Primary Industries is now a portfolio of its own as well as Marine Resources which has also taken in Climate Change – a function formerly with the Department of Lands.

The full cabinet line-up is – President Ishmael Toroama, who is also Minister for Inter-Government Affairs, Mining, Communication and State-of-Emergencies.

Vice President Ezekiel Masatt is also Minister for Justice and Independence Mission Implementation, the Member for Halia Patrick Nisira is now Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities, and the Member for Atolls Amanda Masono is Minister for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change.

First-timer North Regional Women’s Representative, Delourdes Motsi Semoso has been appointed Health Minister, the Member for Selau Paul Otto Cheung is now Minister for Community Government, the Member for Ramu Thomas Pataaku appointed Public Service Minister, the Member for Motuna-Huyono-Tokunutui Albert Punghau takes on the Finance and Treasury portfolio, and the Member for Lato Melvin Wilolopa is now Community Development, Youth, Churches and Sports Minister.

The remaining members of the cabinet are – the Member for Wisai Willie Masiu who takes on the Police and Correction Service Ministry, the Member for Barawa Robin Wilson is Minister for both Commerce, Trade and Industry and Education, Central Former Combatants Member Junior Linus Dake is Veteran Affairs Minister, the Member for Eivo-Torau Clarence Dency is Primary Industries Minister and another newcomer the Member for North Naisioi, Henry Johns Potabu takes up Lands, Physical Planning, Environment and Conservation.

President Ishmael Toroama, welcomed his cabinet, calling for leadership towards the region’s progress to its ultimate goal of self-determination, saying there must be no room for complacency, self-interest or division.

The occasion signals both a new chapter in Bougainville’s leadership, the region’s continued progress toward self-determination, and the destiny of the people.

The awarding of ministerial portfolios is the prerogative of the President.

The executive government will have its first formal Bougainville Executive Council meeting in due course.

Members of the executive government were sworn into office by Senior Provincial Magistrate Bruce Tasikul.