Informing Today, Inspiring Tomorrow
Finance Minister Hon. Thomas Opa Source: EITI
A Steward of Fiscal Responsibility: Hon. Thomas Opa’s Leadership as Finance Minister
Following the 50th anniversery celebrations of the Independence of Papua New Guinea, the focus is not only on history but on how the nation can secure a more stable financial future. At the center of this effort is Finance Minister Thomas Opa, who has quickly established himself as a strong steward of fiscal discipline and transparent governance.
From Energy to Finance: Entrusted with the National Purse
Appointed Minister for Finance in May 2025, Hon. Opa succeeded Hon. Miki Kaeok at a critical juncture in PNG’s economic management. Prime Minister James Marape underscored the importance of his appointment by stressing the need for strict fiscal discipline and transparent execution of the 2025 National Budget.
Hon. Opa himself framed his new role in simple but weighty terms, stating publicly that his task was to ensure that the 2025 Budget appropriations passed by Parliament were implemented as intended. It was a statement of accountability, clear, direct, and rooted in his belief that public finance must always serve the people.
BPNG Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia (middle) pictured with BPNG Chairman Mr. David Toua (left) and Honorable Minister for Energy Mr. Thomas Opa (right) at the Green Finance Summit held in Port Moresby. Source: Green Finance Centre. Note: The picture was taken prior to Hon. Opa taking up the Finance role.
Enforcing Fiscal Discipline in a Challenging Environment
Hon. Opa’s first task as Finance Minister was to reconcile 2024 spending and ensure that no unfunded expenditures rolled into 2025, a long-standing issue in PNG’s fiscal management. This meant tightening controls, aligning spending with priorities, and demanding compliance across government departments.
His leadership reinforced the principle that PNG must live within its means. He has committed to breaking that cycle and restoring confidence in government budgeting.
A Sustainable Resource Future
At the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition in Port Moresby, Hon. Opa challenged industry leaders to think beyond short-term profits and focus on long-term resilience. He stressed that the resource sector must remain competitive and sustainable, not just for today, but for the next 50 years and beyond.
He urged stronger partnerships between government, industry, and landowners to ensure that the benefits of resource development are widely shared, calling for innovation, environmental stewardship, and fairness as cornerstones of the sector’s future.
Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director Jerry Garry, PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy representative Anthony Smaré, Finance Minister Thomas Opa, and Investment Promotion Authority Managing Director Clarence Hoot are flanked by PNG traditional dancers and Santos employee Terry Pandie. Source: Gregory Pulpulis.
Harnessing Technology for Transparency
One of Hon. Opa’s defining priorities has been digital transformation in financial governance. He has strongly backed the rollout of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) across government departments, a reform designed to monitor spending in real time, reduce leakages, and ensure that funds reach the intended communities.
He has described digital transformation as not merely a technical upgrade but a “strategic necessity” for building trust in government and delivering services efficiently.
Putting People First
For Hon. Opa, reforms in finance are never just about balance sheets and ledgers, they are about outcomes for people. Ensuring that teachers and health workers are paid on time, that districts receive their development grants without delay, and that infrastructure funding is directed to where it is needed most are all priorities under his watch.
In his view, good financial management is about fairness, every kina accounted for, every kina spent for the public good.
Building International Confidence
On November 15, 2024, Chinese Ambassador to PNG, H.E. Yang Xiaoguang paid an official call on the Minister for Energy of PNG, Hon. Thomas Opa. Source: X, Chinese Embassy in PNG.
Building International Confidence
Hon. Opa’s early tenure has already signaled to international partners that PNG is serious about reform. Development banks, investors, and donor agencies have noted progress in fiscal discipline, debt management, and transparency measures. The confidence of these partners will be crucial as PNG continues to finance its development agenda while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Sidebar: Key Achievements of Minister Thomas Opa (2025)
- Budget discipline: Ensured reconciliation of 2024 spending and strict execution of the 2025 Budget.
- Transparency reforms: Strengthened financial oversight through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).
- Resource vision: Called for sustainability, innovation, and fairness in PNG’s resource sector for long-term prosperity.
- People-first outcomes: Improved delivery of salaries, grants, and services through stronger monitoring.
- Global credibility: Signaled fiscal responsibility to international investors and development partners.