Mr ‘Elisaia Sylvester Ika of Fuaʼamotu, Tongatapu, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF) for a four-year term. He succeeds Dr. Viliami Toalei Manu, who concluded his contract and retired on 31 July 2025.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) stated that Ika brings to the role over 17 years of progressive experience in the public service, marked by a strong record of leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to advancing Tonga's agricultural sector.
"His strong academic background, combined with his extensive experience in the Ministry, has positioned him well to lead the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests in fulfilling its mandate," the PSC stated.
Ika began his career in 2008 as an agricultural officer and was promoted to Senior Agricultural Officer in January 2015.
In January 2020, Ika was promoted to the Deputy Director under the Research and Information Division of the Ministry, and in December 2023 as Deputy Director under the Policy and Planning, and served multiple times as Acting CEO.
Ika holds a Master's degree in Agriculture from the Fiji National University, Fiji, a Master in Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne, Australia, a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific, Samoa, and a Diploma in Agricultural Studies from the Community Development Training Centre, Tonga.
