SL Parliament Confronts Education Minister Over Mismanagement

By A. R Bah

A tense exchange unfolded in Sierra Leone’s Parliament on Thursday as Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas issued a stern rebuke to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad Sackey, for failing to address internal mismanagement and protect the integrity of the education sector.

Minister Sackey was summoned under Section 107 of the Constitution to answer questions regarding allegations of administrative irregularities and misconduct within his ministry. Speaker Thomas did not hold back in his criticism, highlighting disturbing revelations that involved second-year students, rogue school administrations, and questionable behavior by ministry insiders.

“You see, even second-year students are involved in all of this,” the Speaker declared. “Many of them within your ministry have their own schools. They are the ones upgrading these schools. They are the ones creating the problems.”

In a personal and reflective moment, Speaker Thomas, acknowledging his own background as a teacher, emphasized that the challenges faced by the education sector were not new. However, he noted that they had worsened due to a lack of effective leadership. “I know this problem firsthand. Teachers are even conducting admissions without the knowledge of principals or the Ministry,” he stated.

Speaker Thomas urged Minister Sackey to take full control of the Ministry and to step up to the responsibilities of his role. “We are not here to make friends,” he warned. “Sometimes, the very people who get close to you are the ones quietly undermining your leadership.”

The Speaker’s remarks have reignited national discussions on the governance of the education sector and the need for better accountability within public institutions. He ended the session by assuring Minister Sackey that he would be given the opportunity to formally respond to the concerns raised.

This summons comes amid growing calls from civil society and education stakeholders for greater transparency, oversight, and reform within the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.