New Executive Bureau of the SW Regional Assembly with officials after taken oath of office
By Guy-Bruno Maimo
The South West Regional Assembly has officially commenced a new chapter in regional governance with the swearing-in of its newly elected Executive Bureau and the unveiling of an ambitious development agenda aimed at improving infrastructure, institutional capacity, and service delivery across the Region.
The eight-member bureau, led by President Bakoma Elango Zacheus, was elected following regional elections held nationwide on November 30, 2025, and formally sworn in on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the South West Court of Appeal in Buea. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Ngem Paul Ngute and attended by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, alongside judicial, administrative, political, and traditional authorities.
Presenting the bureau’s roadmap after the ceremony, Bakoma Elango revealed that funding for the construction of a modern Regional Assembly headquarters has been secured, with the contract expected to be signed in the coming months. The new facility is intended to provide a functional working environment, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance the effectiveness of the regional legislative body. On infrastructure, he announced that rehabilitation works will begin later this year on the Bangem–Tombel and Ekombe–Dikome-Balue roads. The projects aim to improve connectivity, open up rural communities, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and stimulate local economic activities.
“These projects are in line with our vision of promoting inclusive growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development across the South West Region,” Bakoma Elango said. “The experience we acquired during the first mandate will enable us to work even better to serve the population. We started without clear terms of reference, but after five years in office, and now entering a second mandate, we have no reason to fail.”
Bakoma Elango Zacheus President of South West Regional Assembly in an interview
In an interview after the oath taking, Magistrate Emade Ebouele, épouse Njoume, emphasized the legal and moral significance of the ceremony, describing it as a solemn, legally binding declaration. She reminded the Executive Bureau that their responsibilities include managing public resources and ensuring that decisions prioritize the welfare of citizens, warning that violations could attract serious legal consequences. Members of the bureau pledged to serve with loyalty, integrity, transparency, and respect for democratic values, committing to work selflessly for the progress and wellbeing of the people of the South West Region.
The new leadership team has already received support and confidence from traditional and local authorities. Chief Kombe Ndike Richard, Vice-President of the Assembly and President of the House of Chiefs, promised to ensure that traditional authorities feel the presence of the State in their communities. Hon. Same Misapé Samuel, Commissioner for Economic Development, reaffirmed his focus on the Region’s growth, pledging to prioritize the development of the South West. William Elangwe Itoe, Commissioner for Health and Social Development, highlighted the importance of durable infrastructure, noting that earth roads are not resilient and that permanent, well-funded projects are needed.
HRH Chief Ikome Peter Mososo III, Mayor of Tiko Council, praised Chief Ndike Richard’s leadership, describing him as a “lion” capable of delivering benefits not only for Tiko but for the entire South West Region. Ngalame Alphonse Ndode, member of the Regional Council for Kupe Muanenguba, reminded officeholders that they are not in office for themselves but for the people, stressing that promises must be fulfilled within the law.
The newly sworn-in Executive Bureau is composed of Bakoma Elango Zacheus (President), Chief Kombe Ndike Richard (Vice-President & President of the House of Chiefs), Same Samuel Misapé (Commissioner for Economic Development), William Elangwe Itoe (Commissioner for Health & Social Development), Walters Tarkang Atuk (Commissioner for Education, Sports & Cultural Development), Effoe Limunga Rebecca (Secretary of the House of Divisional Representatives), His Royal Majesty Ojang Eno Cyprian (Secretary of the House of Chiefs), and Ntemngwa Fomenky Nicodemus (Questor).
As the bureau begins its tenure, expectations are high that it will inject renewed dynamism into regional governance, accelerate decentralisation policies, and lay a solid foundation for peace, prosperity, and inclusive development across the South West Region.
