By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, D.S.
Several children were injured on Monday morning during a protest at Fourah Bay College, triggered by the demolition of a building belonging to the Indigenous Elementary High School.
Witnesses report that a group of men arrived early in the morning to tear down the structure, an action the school believes was sanctioned by the college administration. In response, teachers and students from the Indigenous Elementary High School gathered on the college campus, demanding answers. The protest escalated into a clash, resulting in injuries among both children and staff.
The proprietor of the Indigenous Elementary High School stated that they have occupied the land near the tree planting area by Leicester Peak for the past seven years, claiming it was granted to them by a previous administration. He asserted that they complied with a request from the new administration to halt construction until further notice and have adhered to that directive.
Additionally, the proprietor accused Brima Bah Jah, the Deputy Registrar of Fourah Bay College, of soliciting 40,000 new leones to process the necessary documents for the land. He claims to have paid this amount and possesses proof of the transaction.
In response, Brima Bah Jah refuted the allegations, asserting that the land legally belongs to Fourah Bay College and labeling the school’s construction as illegal. He provided documentation and court rulings to substantiate the college’s ownership and denied ever requesting or receiving money from the proprietor, suggesting that any evidence should be presented to law enforcement.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted, “The pupils are the future,” highlighting their concerns for the future of their education.
As of now, there has been no official statement regarding the resolution of this conflict, leaving the situation tense and uncertain.
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