In a dramatic shake-up of Western Equatoria’s financial administration, Governor Barrister James Altaib has dismissed the top leadership of the State Revenue Authority and announced sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.
Through a government decree issued on Thursday, Governor Al Taib Jazz Berapai relieved Commissioner General Hon. James Ramadan Richard, his deputy Torosa Elias Toro, and Director-General Monica Peter Bago from their positions.
In a separate decree, the Governor appointed Advocate Jackson Ezekiel Bugwa as the new Commissioner General, alongside Helen Thomas Abdu a new Director-General. The post of Deputy Commissioner General remains vacant, signaling further changes ahead.
In what state authority described as a historic first, Governor Al Taib also established a Board of Directors for the State Revenue Authority comprising nine members headed by Sebit Joseph Muhandis, the board will serve as an oversight body to ensure accountability in revenue collection and management, a measure many say has been long overdue.
The Governor defended the changes, saying they were necessary to restore confidence in the state’s financial system.
“The people of Western Equatoria deserve a revenue authority that works for them with honesty, efficiency, and accountability. These reforms are about building trust and ensuring that public resources benefit our citizens,” he declared.
Civil society welcomed the move. Maria Gume, a Yambio-based governance activist, said the creation of the oversight board could mark a turning point.
“For years, people have questioned where the state’s revenue goes. If this new board works as intended, it will give citizens confidence that their money is being used for schools, hospitals, and development not wasted through mismanagement,” she said.
Economist Dr. John Edward, a lecturer at St. John’s Catholic University Yambio Campus, also weighed in, stressing the broader impact of such reforms. “This is not just about Western Equatoria.
Strengthening revenue management at the state level contributes to the national economy.
Transparent systems encourage investment and reduce dependency on foreign aid,” he noted.
Observers say the changes could set a precedent for other states, where weak financial institutions have long been blamed for poor service delivery and public mistrust.