Prime Minister James Marape has announced that he will undertake a Cabinet reshuffle and portfolio restructuring later this week as part of an effort to make sure Government delivers on its commitments to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The Prime Minister said the reshuffle, expected on Thursday or Friday, follows an extensive review of ministerial performance, integrity, and the progress of key Government priorities since the Pangu-led Coalition Government assumed office in August 2022.
“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,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I have listened carefully to the concerns expressed by our people regarding ministerial performance, integrity and the pace of implementation. As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure the Government remains focused on delivering results.”
Prime Minister Marape said he had already advised Ministers several months ago that their performance would be closely monitored and assessed against the commitments made to the nation in 2022.
“Our commitments to the country are being measured every day. With approximately nine months remaining before the issue of writs for the 2027 National General Election, we cannot afford complacency. Every remaining month must count.”
He stressed that the reshuffle was not motivated by politics or the approaching election but by the need to utilise time in office to maximise Government performance and ensure the successful delivery of national priorities.
“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. Nine months is long enough if all of us run and do work correctly and not walk and waste time”.
Prime Minister Marape said that during his first four years in office he had largely respected the established administrative structure by working through Ministers and the Chief Secretary, whilst expecting them to go through their departments, but turnaround time on instructions had been frustratingly slow.
However, with the Government entering the final phase of its term, he would take a more direct role in driving implementation across all sectors.
“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.”
The Prime Minister also confirmed that he had instructed Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu to enforce greater accountability across the Public Service, particularly among departmental heads who have failed to submit annual reports or demonstrate satisfactory performance.
“As Papua New Guinea prepares to enter its 51st year of Independence, we must foster a culture where leadership positions are earned through performance and maintained through results.
“Departmental heads entrusted with these important responsibilities must understand that accountability is no longer optional. Those who consistently fail to perform or meet their statutory obligations cannot expect to remain in office.”
Prime Minister Marape said the same standard of accountability applied equally to 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.”
The Prime Minister noted that the Government still has a substantial legislative and development agenda to complete before the next election, including five remaining sittings of Parliament, implementation of the 2026 Budget, preparation and passage of the 2027 National Budget, and the continued rollout of key economic, infrastructure and social programmes.
“The remaining months cannot become a period of waiting for elections. They must be among the most productive months of this Government.”
“I know where Government is performing well, where progress has slowed and where intervention is required.
The decisions I announce later this week will reflect that assessment and will position the Government to finish this term strongly while laying a solid foundation for the future.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a Government that is performance-driven, accountable and fully focused on improving the lives of Papua New Guineans.
“Our people entrusted us with a mandate in 2022. We remain committed to honoring that mandate through hard work, responsible leadership and tangible results.”