Bahir Dar, Oct. 16, 2018 E.C. (Oct. 26, 2025) — The President of the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS), Arega Kebede, has announced a large set of appointments across regional ministries, bureaus and advisory posts, the ANRS Communication Bureau said in a social-media post released on Oct. 16, 2018 E.C. The post says the new team was selected for their “leadership skills, work experience, education preparation and ethics.”
The announcement places experienced officials in key portfolios including agriculture, education, finance, water and energy, urban development and public communications. Arega Kebede—who was appointed Chief Administrator of the Amhara region in 2023—has repeatedly emphasized stability and reconstruction since taking office and has been reshuffling the regional executive to pursue those priorities.
Regional officials told reporters the appointments aim to accelerate service delivery and coordination between bureaus at a moment the region faces significant humanitarian and development challenges. The Communication Bureau post (published on the bureau’s social account) framed the changes as merit-based and oriented toward strengthening governance and implementation capacity across the region.
Key placements
- Dr. Amanuel Ferede — Administrative cluster coordinator (rank of Vice President)
- Mr. Dereje Mandefro Damene — Head, Agriculture Bureau
- Mr. Tilahun Workneh Tekle — Head, Education Bureau
- Mr. Atalay Tilahun — Head, Finance Office
- Dr. Judge Fenta Mekonen — Head, Water and Energy Bureau
- Dr. Gashaw Muche — Head, Animal and Fisheries Development Bureau
- Dr. Mola Melkamu — Head, City and Infrastructure Development Bureau
- Dr. Mengesha Fentaw — Head, Revenue Bureau
- Mr. Abay Mengiste — Head, Government Communication Office
The Communication Bureau highlighted that the appointments also include academy and advisory roles intended to bring technical expertise into the regional administration. Observers said placing experienced technocrats in planning, revenue and infrastructure posts could be intended to accelerate reconstruction and public service restoration. The Reporter Ethiopia
Full list of appointees (as published by the ANRS Communication Bureau)
- Dr. Amanuel Ferede: Administrative cluster coordinator with the rank of vice president.
- Mr. Dereje Mandefro Damene: Head of Agriculture Bureau
- Mr. Tilahun Workneh Tekle: Head of Education Bureau
- Mr. Atalay Tilahun: Head of Finance Office
- Dr. Judge Fenta Mekonen: Head of Water and Energy Bureau
- Dr. Gashaw Muche: Head of Animal and Fisheries Development Bureau
- Dr. Mola Melkamu: Head of City and Infrastructure Development Bureau
- Dr. Mengesha Fentaw: Head of Revenue Bureau
- Mr. Abay Mengiste: Head of Government Communication Office.
- Mr. Assefa Sisay Teshome: Director General of Construction Authority
- Dr. Matebe Tafere: President of Amhara State University
- Mr. Esubalew Mesele Tsegaye: Vice President of Amhara State University
- Mr. Erziq Isa: Public relations advisor at the level of head of office
- Mr. Yitberek Aweke: Advisor to the son of the head of office
- Dr. Zelalem Lijalem: Adviser on security issues at the level of office manager
