K200 Million SME Probe Shadows PNG Cabinet Shake-Up as Marape Reshuffles Six Ministries

An ongoing investigation into K200 million worth of Small to Medium Enterprise funding formed the backdrop to a major Cabinet reshuffle in Port Moresby on Monday, with Win Bakri Daki losing his grip on Commerce and Industry while the probe against him continues.

Daki's replacement, Wake Goi, moves across from Civil Aviation, a portfolio now handed to former Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa in one of six ministerial swearing-ins held at Government House.

Prime Minister James Marape used the occasion to reshape several other parts of his government. Lufa MP Simo Kilepa lost the Environment, Conservation and Climate Change portfolio to Moresby North East MP John Kaupa, while Timothy Masiu was replaced by Bogia MP Robert Naguri at Information and Communication Technology.

Labour changed hands from Kessy Sawang to Okapa MP Saki Soloma. Lucas Dekena was replaced at Education Ministry by Francis Kikin Siune, and the Livestock Ministry passed from Western MP Sekie Agisa to his provincial colleague, Delta Fly MP Agena Gamai.

On the health front, Elias Kapavore was reassigned to Defence, opening up the Health portfolio for Dr Billy Joseph, who keeps the National Disaster Ministry under his wing even though it had previously been housed within Defence.

William Bando also moved on, giving up Coffee for Immigration, while Miki Kaeok picked up the coffee portfolio to run alongside his existing Transport responsibilities.

Marape did not stop at the six appointments. Speaking after the ceremony, he revealed he would personally oversee Correctional Service, Sports, and the National Volunteer Services going forward.

The Prime Minister said the reshuffle was about getting the government into position ahead of the national election.