Government
14 Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries Sworn in
By Jeannie Penehuro/
Apia, SAMOA — 22 September 2026 – Fourteen Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Government Ministries and State-owned organisations took their oath of service this morning, formally committing to three years of service.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt delivered the keynote address and congratulated the newly appointed CEOs on taking their oath.
He urged the CEOs to give their full commitment to serving Samoa and its people.
“Time will come where our service comes to an end, but we must also prepare the next person to sit in the position,” La’auli said.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt delivering the keynote address at the swearing in ceremony this morning.
“You are not here to be served but to serve,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded the CEOs that their responsibility extends to being accessible and responsive to the public.
He urged them to answer phone calls, return missed calls, respond to emails and keep their doors open to serve Samoa.
He also reminded the CEOs of their responsibility to support the government currently in office.
“Serve the government of the day,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Reverend Dr. Latu Latai with the 14 CEO’s after taking their Oath of Office/Service and the CEO of the Office of Prime Ministry and Cabinet, Agafili Tomanino Shem Leo (far right).
As chief executives, La’auli emphasize that they are responsible for turning government policy into action and must remember the oath they have taken, Samoa and its people, and the impact their decisions can have on the country when they enter their offices.
He also called for greater cooperation and consultation across government.
“There’s no more room for conflict. We cooperate and we consult,” he said.
“No ministry can operate as an island, no corporation can operate independently from the national development agenda, and no CEO can achieve meaningful results without working together with officials, Cabinet, government agencies and development partners,” he said.
The Prime Minister challenged the CEOs to lead by example, saying their respective organisations would follow their leadership.
The 14 CEOs who took the oath of service are:
- Afamasaga Taimalietane Matatumua— Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Fepulea’i Roger Toleafoa— Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour
- Fuimaono Vatolo Ofoia— Ministry of Inland Revenue
- June Scanlan Lui— Ministry of Health
- Leasoiloafaleupolu Ronnie Aiolupotea— Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
- Leota Namulauulu Irasa Mauala Alafau— Samoa Water Authority
- Luatua Semiperive Epati— Ministry of Sport and Recreation
- Malaeulu Aysha Rimoni— Unit Trust of Samoa
- Mulipola Lemalu Maletino Teofilo— Ministry of Customs
- Salamatua Toiaivao Tauti Fa’atamali’i Jenny Lauano— Ministry of Education & Culture
- Tauiliili Vaelua Sonny Brown— Samoa Shipping Corporation
- Tavu’i Tautaiolevasamanaia Mike Lemisio— Samoa Post
- Ti’amamana Capt. Foetutasi Faamausili— Samoa Ports Authority
- Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala— Samoa District Development Authority.
The CEOs terms of appointments are for three years.