Papua New Guinea (PNG) marked a significant moment in its legal history today with the official swearing in of Ms. Helen Roalakona as the country’s first female taking charge of the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
The emotional swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ms. Roalakona’s legal career.
Ms. Roalakona had served as Acting Public Prosecutor following her appointment to the position in 2025.
Her appointment as Public Prosecutor was subsequently announced in August this year by Minister Niningi in his capacity as Chairman of the National Judicial Council.
Congratulating Ms. Roalakona, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika reflected on his own experience as a public prosecutor, acknowledging that the role was demanding and carried significant responsibility.
Sir Gibbs reminded the new Public Prosecutor that the Office of the Public Prosecutor is the prosecuting authority of Papua New Guinea, with a constitutional responsibility to administer criminal prosecutions independently and in the public interest.
He said the Public Prosecutor’s Office plays an important role in representing the interests of the people of Papua New Guinea in criminal proceedings, including ensuring that accused persons are prosecuted fairly and that the law is applied without fear, favour or improper influence.
Sir Gibbs described Ms. Roalakona’s appointment as a historic occasion and wishes her and her team success as they take the Office into its next chapter.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Pila Niningi also congratulated Ms. Roalakona, describing her appointment as well deserved.
Mr. Niningi said he was confident that Ms. Roalakona would provide strong leadership and guide the Office of the Public Prosecutor into a new era of professionalism, accountability and effective prosecution.
In her first remarks after taking the oath, Ms. Roalakona identified strengthening the prosecution of public corruption cases as one of her immediate priorities.
She said addressing corruption was critical to restoring public confidence in the country’s justice system and would also contribute to Papua New Guinea’s efforts to address concerns associated with its grey-listing status.
As Public Prosecutor, Ms. Roalakona will have responsibility for overseeing the prosecution of criminal offences on behalf of the State, providing legal direction to public prosecutors, determining whether and how serious criminal matters should proceed, and ensuring prosecutions are conducted fairly, independently and in accordance with the law.
Her office also plays an important role in protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system by ensuring that prosecutions are based on sufficient evidence, safeguarding the rights of accused persons while representing the public interest, and working with law enforcement and other justice-sector agencies to strengthen the administration of criminal justice.
Ms. Roalakona’s appointment comes at a time when Papua New Guinea is seeking stronger action against corruption and greater public confidence in its justice institutions.
Her immediate focus on public corruption prosecutions is therefore, expected to place the Office of the Public Prosecutor at the centre of efforts to strengthen accountability and the rule of law in the country.