Panguma took over from Thomas Potabe.
Announcing the appointment on Tuesday in Hela during the Provincial Executive Council meeting, Governor Philip Undialu said the appointment of Panguma was in the interest of the Hela people.
He said the PEC is confident that Panguma will assist the leaders and deliver to the people of Hela.
Incumbent Deputy Governor, Thomas Potabe, who was also present at first Hela Assembly meeting for 2019, accepted the decision and congratulated the new Deputy.
