Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Staff of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Works have staged a strike, demanding the immediate dismissal of Minister Dr. Denis Sandy over serious allegations of abuse of office, corruption, and unprofessional conduct.
In an interview with Truth Media, lead protester and Principal Surveyor Lawrence Dauda Gbaya stated that Minister Sandy has consistently failed to adhere to proper procedures in his role as overseer of the ministry.
Instead, Gbaya accused him of operating with divisive leadership tactics and unwarranted interference. “Since his appointment, he has employed divide-and-rule strategies and tends to act unprofessionally, favoring personal interests over the integrity of the ministry,” Gbaya asserted.
Gbaya highlighted recent incidents, such as the minister’s directive for Paul Bockarie, the professional head of the Ministry, to proceed on leave and his subsequent removal from a budget meeting last Friday, as examples of Sandy’s overreach and misconduct. “We strongly oppose the minister’s decision to sideline our professional leadership and undermine the integrity of the ministry,” Gbaya added.
The situation intensified when Sandy ordered Paul Bockarie to remain on leave and deliberately excluded him from a crucial budget meeting.
“These actions undermine the professionalism and stability of the ministry,” Gbaya emphasized.
The allegations against Minister Sandy extend beyond personnel management. Staff accuse him of manipulating technical evaluations during the sale of government quarters and demonstrating unprofessional conduct in handling civil service matters.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding irregularities in the procurement process for presidential lodges in six districts—Bonthe, Pujehun, Kailahun, Kambia, and Kono. The staff allege that the minister awarded contracts to a Mr. Franklin without following due process, as documented by the protesting staff.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has promised to address the media after engaging with Minister Sandy and Mr. Bockarie. As of this report, Minister Sandy has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations.
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