Fiji, July 6 -- Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has stripped the Commerce and Industry portfolio from Win Bakri Daki, appointing Finance Minister Thomas Opa to take over the ministry while retaining Daki in Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio.

The changes come as the Government launches an independent forensic investigation into the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Fund.

In a statement, Prime Minister James Marape said the interim arrangements are intended to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence while the investigation is conducted.

He also directed Commerce and Industry Secretary David Ganaii to step aside until the investigation is completed.

The Government will appoint a reputable independent au...