Prime Minister, James Marape has announced a Cabinet reshuffle later this week following a review of ministers’ performance, saying the changes are aimed at accelerating delivery of Government policies before the 2027 National General Election.
PM Marape said the reshuffle, expected on Thursday or Friday, follows an assessment of ministerial performance, integrity and progress in implementing the Pangu-led Coalition Government’s commitments since taking office in August 2022.
In a statement this after, he said the changes would ensure the Government remained focused on delivering results during the remaining months of its current term.
“My department is completing its final assessment, and later this week I will announce changes to Cabinet that will position Government to deliver strongly during the remaining months of this parliamentary term,” PM Marape said.
He said he had listened to public concerns about ministerial performance, integrity and the pace of implementation, adding that it was his responsibility as Prime Minister to ensure the Government remained effective.
PM Marape said ministers had been informed several months ago that their performance would be assessed against the commitments made to Papua New Guinea when the Government took office in 2022.
With about nine months remaining before writs are expected to be issued for the 2027 National General Election, he said there was no room for complacency.
“This exercise is about strengthening the Government, not simply changing personnel. It is about placing the right people in the right portfolios to complete the important work that still lies ahead,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed the reshuffle was driven by performance rather than politics or election considerations.
He said that while he had largely relied on ministers, the Chief Secretary and government departments to implement policies during his first four years in office, progress in some areas had been slower than expected.
PM Marape said he would now take a more direct role in overseeing implementation across all sectors to ensure government priorities were delivered.
“I will now become more personally engaged in ensuring every ministry and every department delivers on its responsibilities. Papua New Guineans expect outcomes, and that is exactly what I intend to do for the balance of this term,” he said.
He also confirmed he had directed Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu to strengthen accountability across the Public Service, particularly among departmental heads who had failed to submit annual reports or meet required performance standards.
PM Marape said leadership positions in both the political and public service should be based on merit and performance, warning that underperforming officials could not expect to remain in office.
He said the same standards applied to Cabinet ministers.
“I have carefully assessed the performance of every Minister. Where necessary, I will reassign portfolios, redistribute responsibilities or appoint new Ministers to ensure the Government finishes this term with renewed energy, stronger leadership and a sharper focus on delivery,” he said.
PM Marape said the Government still had a significant legislative and development agenda to complete, including implementation of the 2026 Budget, preparation of the 2027 National Budget, and the rollout of major economic, infrastructure and social programmes.
He said the remaining months before the election should be among the most productive of the Government’s term rather than a period of waiting for the national poll.
“Our people entrusted us with a mandate in 2022. We remain committed to honoring that mandate through hard work, responsible leadership and tangible results,” PM Marape said.