Out going Provincial Administrator Richard Andia join hands with acting predecessor Dennis Kossam and Governor Byron Chan in a show of gratitude to Andia’s contribution to New Ireland public service. Picture supplied.
The New Ireland Provincial Government has formally welcomed Dennis Kosam as Acting Provincial Administrator, following the resignation of Richard Andia after two years at the helm of the Provincial Administration.
Kosam assumed the position today during an official handover-takeover ceremony witnessed by New Ireland Governor Byron Chan and Senior Provincial Government Officials.
His appointment was formalised under National Gazette No. G842 pursuant to Section 73 (2A) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments. His three-month acting appointment runs from August 24 to November 24, 2026.
Outgoing Administrator Richard Andia thanked the provincial government for the opportunity to serve and reflected on his professional journey in New Ireland, including the guidance and mentorship he received from the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan.
Andia joined the provincial administration in 2017 and subsequently served as Director of Finance, Chief Executive Officer of Finance and Acting Provincial Administrator before being appointed Provincial Administrator in 2023.
Although he had two years remaining on his four-year term, Andia said he had decided to step down to pursue a new career path. He will remain in New Ireland as a consultant to the provincial government and pledged his continued support to the new administration in advancing the vision of the late Sir Julius Chan.
Accepting the acting appointment, Kosam said he did so with humility, determination and a strong sense of duty, stressing that public administration must be centred on service rather than power or personal interest.
“The Provincial Administration must be a service institution, not a place of power and self-interest,” Kosam said.
He called on public servants to uphold the law, protect public resources and exercise strict financial discipline, warning against corruption, abuse of office and the waste of government funds.
“Every kina belongs to the people and must be managed responsibly,” he said.
Kosam said officers must respect the law, government institutions and the people they serve, adding that administrative oversight would distinguish between genuine mistakes, negligence and deliberate misconduct.
He also called for unity across the provincial public service, saying the administration must work collectively to deliver fair, transparent and accountable governance without fear or favour.
Governor Chan and provincial officials witnessed the transition as the administration begins the next phase under Kosam’s acting leadership.
