Dei MP joins Western Highlands PEC

Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa took his oath as the new member for the Westeen Highlands Provincial Executive Counil (WHPEC). (NBC News: Vanessa Ripa)

Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa has officially been sworn in as a member of the Western Highlands Provincial Executive Council [WHPEC], today (25-04-26) at Sir Mara Haus- the provincial headqurter.

MP Kipa, who was elected in the 2025–2026 Dei by-election, took his oath before Senior Provincial Magistrate [SPM] Betty Jacobs of the Mt Hagen District Court.

In his first remarks as a PEC member, Mr. Kipa expressed gratitude and commitment to serve the people of Western Highlands.

“I am honored and privileged to be sworn in as a member of the Provincial Executive Council, and I commit myself to contribute positively towards the development of our province," Kipa said.

Dei MP Desmond Kipa read oath to declare that he will commit to fully serve the people.(NBC News: Vanessa Ripa)

He added that Western Highlands is blessed with rich land, a good environment, and unique people, and said he looks forward to working alongside Governor Wai Rapa and the PEC to deliver much-needed services.

“With the leadership shown by our Governor, I am confident we will work together to bring better development to our people," stressed the new PEC member.

Western Highlands Governor and PEC Chairman Wai Rapa congratulated Mr. Kipa, saying Dei District had gone without proper representation in the PEC for the past three years.

“For three years, Dei was only represented by its three LLG Presidents. Now, with MP Kipa on board, the district will finally have a stronger voice in decision-making and service delivery," Rapa added.

Governor Rapa said Mr. Kipa’s inclusion in the PEC will ensure Dei District actively participates in shaping the province’s development agenda.

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa. (NBC News: Vanessa Ripa)

Kipa was also welcomed by fellow PEC members, including Tambul-Nebilyer MP and Minister for Commerce and Industry, Win Bakri Daki, who elaborated that apart from Dei, for the last three years unity and cooperation amongst the MPs of Western Highlands was visible with the services delivered to the people.

"Now that you are a PEC member, we the MPs will work hand in hand with the Governor for the betterment of the province," Minister Daki said.

MP Kipa was sworn in during a meeting which saw PEC members gather to deliberate and pass the 2026 Western Highlands Provincial Budget.