Prime Minister James Marape has defended his recent Cabinet reshuffle, saying it was a strategic reform aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening government accountability and improving performance ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
Responding to questions from Opposition Leader James Nomane during Question Time in Parliament yesterday, Mr. Marape said the reshuffle was based on performance and the need to improve government delivery, not politics or personalities.
He thanked ministers who had served over the past four years, saying the changes reflected evolving national priorities and the need for stronger leadership in key sectors.
“These changes are not about personalities,” Mr. Marape said.
“They are about ensuring Government delivers the outcomes our people expect in the remaining months before the next election.”
The Prime Minister said the Government was restructuring several key ministries as part of its “Reset at 50” reform agenda to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve accountability.
A major reform involves changes to the oversight of State-owned enterprises under Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH).
Mr. Marape said the current structure had become too complex, slowing decision-making and reducing effective government oversight.
While commending State Enterprises Minister William Duma for his efforts, he said the structure itself had become part of the problem.
“Something needs to be done in PNG Power. The Minister has tried his best, but the structure itself has become part of the problem,” he said.
“We are removing unnecessary layers so Government policy can reach implementation much faster.”
He said Kumul Consolidated Holdings would continue its corporate responsibilities while dedicated ministers would provide stronger policy oversight of major State-owned enterprises.
Mr. Marape also announced reforms to the Departments of Treasury, Finance and National Planning.
Under the new arrangements, National Planning will focus on long-term development planning, Treasury on macroeconomic management and fiscal policy, and Finance on government expenditure and warrant administration.
“Our objective is simple: build a government structure that delivers services faster, strengthens accountability and creates a stronger foundation not only for today, but for future Governments as well,” he said.
The Prime Minister also warned that department heads who failed to submit annual reports or account for public funds would face greater scrutiny.
“If you are entrusted with public money, you must report how that money has been used,” he said.
“We cannot continue a culture where funds are spent without proper reporting and accountability.”
He said the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority would play a greater role in independently monitoring government projects through professional auditing firms.
Mr. Marape also explained why the Coffee portfolio had been merged with Transport, saying better roads and transport links were essential for coffee farmers in remote areas to access markets.
“Our coffee farmers in remote parts of Papua New Guinea need better transport connections to bring their produce to market,” he said.
“This alignment allows us to address production and transportation together.”
Mr. Marape said he would personally take a more active role in driving implementation across government during the remaining months of the parliamentary term.
“I thank those who have served and those who have accepted new responsibilities,” he said.
“Over the next eight months we will work harder than ever to ensure these reforms deliver real benefits for our people and position Papua New Guinea strongly for the future.”