By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has confirmed that Dr. Dennis Sandy will continue to serve as the Minister of Works and Public Assets, dispelling rumors of his dismissal that have circulated following recent internal conflicts and public protests.
Tensions escalated last week when staff at the Ministry of Works staged a strike demanding Dr. Sandy’s immediate removal. The protest, led by Principal Surveyor Lawrence Dauda Gbaya, included serious allegations of abuse of office, corruption, and unprofessional conduct against the minister. Gbaya accused Dr. Sandy of employing “divide-and-rule” tactics, mismanaging personnel, and undermining the ministry’s professional leadership, particularly citing the sidelining of the ministry’s professional head, Paul Bockarie.
Concerns were also raised about irregularities in the procurement processes related to the sale of government quarters and the management of presidential lodges, with allegations that contracts were awarded without following the appropriate procedures.
The situation became more complicated with the circulation of a leaked letter from Barba B. Fortune, Secretary to the President, dated September 22, 2025. While the letter referenced a “formal query and directive to proceed on immediate leave pending full administrative review,” it also instructed that “all officers concerned remain in post and perform their normal professional duties until this Office reverts to you for a resolution on the matter.”
A senior government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, clarified that the President’s Office has intervened to de-escalate the conflict between Dr. Sandy and the Chief Director of Public Works. The letter aims to maintain stability while the situation undergoes administrative review, indicating that both Dr. Sandy and Mr. Bockarie are expected to continue their roles.
In an interview with Truth Media, lead protester Lawrence Dauda Gbaya criticized Dr. Sandy for failing to adhere to proper procedures in his oversight of the ministry. He accused the minister of fostering a divisive leadership style and acting in ways that prioritize personal interests over the ministry’s integrity. Gbaya pointed to recent incidents, including the minister’s directive for Paul Bockarie to proceed on leave and his exclusion from a critical budget meeting, as evidence of misconduct.
“The minister’s actions undermine the professionalism and stability of the ministry,” Gbaya stated, emphasizing the staff’s opposition to Dr. Sandy’s leadership tactics.
Allegations against Dr. Sandy extend beyond personnel management, with accusations of manipulation in technical evaluations during the sale of government quarters. Furthermore, staff have raised concerns regarding the procurement process for presidential lodges across six districts—Bonthe, Pujehun, Kailahun, Kambia, and Kono—claiming the minister awarded contracts to a Mr. Franklin without due process.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has pledged to address the media following discussions with both Minister Sandy and Mr. Bockarie. As of now, Dr. Sandy has not publicly responded to the allegations.
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