Lord Fohe was sworn in as the new Tongan Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests, when Parliament resumed sitting Monday 01 August.
He entered parliament as Tongatapu 3 Noble’s Representative, after being elected for the first time in the 2021 Election.
His letter of ministerial appointment was effective from 29 July.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni had recommended his appointment, in accordance with Clause 51 (2) of the Constitution of Tonga.
The appointment was approved by King Tupou VI last week, and the appointment letter was returned to the Prime Minister’s Office. It was relayed to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua.
This new Cabinet Minister will be sworn into Cabinet at the next sitting.
He replaces the late Vili Manuopangai Hingano who passed away in June.
Lord Fohe is the estate holder of Puke on Tongatapu.
Meanwhile, the Legislative Assembly of Tonga resumed this week with an agenda that includes deliberating on Government Public Bills.
Parliament stated this sitting’s agenda includes 17 Regulations and 10 Government Annual Reports. Parliament is also discussing and scrutinising Government Public Bills.
At the same time, MPs are scheduled to carry out their annual constituency visits from 15-31 August.
The constituency visit is an opportunity for members to meet and discuss with their electorates issues impacting them and raise issues they need Government and Parliament to take note of.
This is the first sitting since the House passed the 2022/2023 National Budget in June.
Parliament is also expected to sit from September until the State closing in December this year.
SOURCE: TONGA WIRES/PACNEWS
