Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Khan has revealed that the new Special Envoy appointments will not increase the national wage bill, emphasizing that the move is a strategic initiative aimed at advancing Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, during the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show, commenting on President Julius Maada Bio’s recent appointment of four Special Envoys. The appointments have received widespread praise from citizens, who view them as a meaningful recognition of dedication and service, even as debates continue over their timing and relevance.

Alhaji Khan further explained that the appointments should be regarded as an acknowledgment of “commitment, sacrifice, and proven service” to Sierra Leone. “These are not jobs, rewards, or political paybacks,” Khan stressed. “They are voluntary, honorary positions that do not add to the government’s wage bill. Instead, they leverage personal resources, networks, and goodwill to attract investment, tourism, and infrastructure opportunities for Sierra Leone.”

Khan singled out businessman Faissal D. Antar for his long record of humanitarian and development contributions. These include the renovation of the 34 Military Hospital, donation of an X-ray machine, school construction, mosque rehabilitation, and financial support during the Ebola outbreak, when he pre-financed emergency supplies for the government despite delayed repayment.

“These are not people who sit and wait for recognition. They act out of genuine commitment to Sierra Leone,” Khan emphasized, adding that the Antar family has for decades invested in communities, health, and education, particularly in Port Loko District.

Responding to claims that the appointments favored individuals of Lebanese descent, Khan dismissed the concerns as misplaced.

“Sierra Leone should not judge patriotism by surname or ethnicity.

The Antars are Sierra Leoneans by their commitment, sacrifice, and integration into our society. Their contributions to health, education, and community development speak louder than ancestry,” he maintained.

Khan further clarified that the envoy roles do not come with diplomatic privileges or financial incentives.

“This is not about personal gain or travel perks. It is about using their networks to open doors for Sierra Leone on the global stage,” he said.

He emphasized: “These appointments will not add to the wage bill. Instead, they will create opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, which is exactly what Sierra Leone needs at this point in time.”

State House Communications Director Myk Berewa echoed this on Facebook, stating: “Bringing the Antars on board as Special Envoys won’t add to our wage bill. Their role comes with only credentials, not paychecks.”

Communications expert Sheku Putka Kamara also praised the move, describing it as timely and practical.

“In a country where institutions struggle with limited resources, having honorary envoys who are not paid but instead use their personal connections to bring investment is a positive step,” Putka said.

He dismissed concerns about family ties, noting that trusted individuals are often appointed worldwide.

“What matters is not their surname or origin, but what they can deliver. If these individuals can bring investors, open new trade links, and promote Sierra Leone abroad, then the country stands to benefit,” he added.

Concluding his defense, Alpha Khan urged citizens to support the President’s vision.

“President Bio is sending a clear message: those who contribute meaningfully to the nation will be recognized, regardless of their background. This is not a reward; it is recognition of service and a call to do more,” he said.

A political commentator also applauded the decision, stressing its importance for national growth.

 

“Thank you, President Bio, for these appointments. This is commendable. Any individual working towards the development of the nation should be recognized. Today it is the Antars; tomorrow it can be others. We should not see them as foreigners but as Sierra Leoneans,” he remarked.