Helen Roalakona has been sworn in as Papua New Guinea’s first female substantive Public Prosecutor, taking charge of the State’s prosecution authority for the next six years.
Roalakona formally took office in Port Moresby yesterday after serving 12 months as Acting Public Prosecutor.
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Chief Justice Sir Gibsuma Gibbs Salika said the position carried enormous responsibility, requiring the Public Prosecutor to make difficult decisions on charges that can be properly proved in court.
Roalakona said her priorities include strengthening the Office of the Public Prosecutor, increasing manpower and expanding provincial operations.
She plans to increase provincial offices from 11 to 15 and eventually establish a presence in all provinces.
She also identified PNG’s efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force grey list as a key priority.
Justice and Attorney-General Minister Pila Niningi congratulated Roalakona, describing her appointment as historic and the role as critical to PNG’s justice system.