A former political aide who was officially terminated from his government role earlier this year has sparked public concern after it was revealed he took part in a high-level overseas trip funded by taxpayer money.
Ishmael Wore, who previously held the position of Policy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, joined Finance Minister Harry Kuma and Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana on an official trip to China from June 20 to June 29, 2025. Despite his contract having been terminated in February this year, Wore’s travel and associated costs were fully covered by the government.
His expenses included Business Class airfare, per-diems, and clothing allowance, amounting to nearly one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150, 000.00). An internal investigation is underway to establish who approved Mr. Wore’s inclusion on the top level delegation.
There is no public record of a new contract being issued for Mr. Wore prior to the China trip. Sources within the Ministry say his initial employment as a Policy Secretary had formally ended months earlier and no further appointment was registered.
Yet, he was included in the official travel delegation and received full benefits typically reserved for serving government personnel.
The Ministry has not issued any formal statement explaining the basis of Mr. Wore’s inclusion on the trip or the authorization of payments in the absence of a valid employment contract.
“This is deeply troubling,” said one senior civil servant who spoke on condition of anonymity. “How can someone who is no longer part of the government still access public resources and travel internationally as part of an official delegation?”
The issue raises broader concerns about compliance with public service regulations, particularly in the appointment and termination of political appointees.
“It’s not just about one individual,” said an anti-corruption advocate. “This shows a failure in internal controls. If this can happen without anyone noticing or acting to stop it, what else is slipping through the cracks?”
It is unclear whether Mr. Wore, who could not be contacted for comments, would be asked to reimburse the cost.
Mr. Wore was appointed by Permanent Secretary Dentana to the post of Policy Secretary, which makes him a political appointee, documents sighted by Solomon Star have revealed.
The documents also revealed Mr. Wore was appointed through an Agreement of Service signed by Permanent Secretary Dentana contrary to standing practice that all Political Appointees must be appointed in accordance with Public Service Regulations.
Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, does not [not] have the power under these regulations to make Political Appointment.
Its understood during the trip the Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma formally received the certificate from the Asian Investment Infrastructure Bank (AIIB) to be a member.
By Alfred Sasako
