In a surprise cabinet reshuffle, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has dismissed Wilmot Paye from his post as Minister of Mines and Energy, barely two years after his appointment. The President immediately nominated R. Matenokay Tingban, former Nimba County District #9 Representative, as Paye’s replacement.
An Executive Mansion statement released late Monday described the reshuffle as part of a broader realignment of key government institutions, aimed at “strengthening governance, improving institutional performance, and ensuring accountability and efficiency” under the administration’s ARREST Agenda.
Wilmot Paye’s Sudden Ouster
Paye’s dismissal has sparked widespread speculation within political and administrative circles. Though the Executive Mansion gave no explicit reason for his removal, multiple sources point to internal disagreements and performance concerns at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
A former Unity Party chairman known for his outspoken and fiery rhetoric, Paye had recently made headlines for his hardline stance on mining transparency, warning against illicit mining activities and urging stricter enforcement of mineral governance laws. Analysts suggest his removal could mark a shift in the Boakai administration’s approach to managing Liberia’s lucrative mining sector.
Matenokay Tingban Takes Over
President Boakai’s choice of R. Matenokay Tingban as the new Mines and Energy Minister has been widely noted. Tingban, a respected former lawmaker from Nimba County, is known for his pragmatic leadership style and legislative experience. He is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the ministry amid growing scrutiny over the HPX mining deal and other major concessions.
Other Key Government Changes
Alongside Paye’s replacement, the President announced several other high-level appointments and transitions across ministries, agencies, and the judiciary:
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
Thomas Momo Parker – Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development
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
Agnes C. Marshall – Assistant Minister for Children and Social Protection
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 retired Managing Director Hon. Jeremiah Mends-Cole on medical grounds.
Ernest R. Hughes – Managing Director
Nyan Mantein – Chairman of the Board
Other Appointments
A. Blamo Sieh – Co-Chair, Civil Service Agency Board of Appeal
Nelsco A. Wolo – Deputy Commissioner General for Administration, Liberia Immigration Service
Judiciary
Cllr. William G. Capehert – Judge, Traffic Court, Gbarnga City
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
Cllr. Rennie O. Moses – Judge, Criminal Court “E”, Grand Gedeh County
A Call for Integrity and Diligence
In his statement, President Boakai expressed gratitude to outgoing officials for their service and called on the new appointees to “serve with integrity, diligence, and a renewed sense of duty to the Liberian people.”
Government insiders describe the reshuffle as part of a strategic reset, an effort by the President to realign his administration, reinforce accountability, and accelerate institutional reforms within the public sector.
As President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda moves into its second phase, the latest changes appear to signal a firmer stance on performance and governance, with an emphasis on restoring public trust and ensuring efficient service delivery across all sectors of government.
