Free Education Program Faces Another Setback

The community, local stakeholders, and concerned citizens publicly express grave concerns over serious allegations of misconduct and irregularities within the management of the Free Education Project Secretariat (FEPS). These allegations threaten the integrity and transparency of a project that is vital to the nation’s future.

Recent reports reveal that procurement processes under the project have been manipulated through deliberate alterations of error calculations adding substantial amounts to favor the second-lowest bidder or slightly reducing figures to favor preferred bidders. Such practices are in direct violation of established procurement guidelines and undermine the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Compounding these issues is a disturbing pattern of marginalization against indigenous companies. Many of these local firms, equally capable and qualified, are systematically excluded or disadvantaged, contravening the objectives of the local content policy and hampering national economic growth and empowerment.

Furthermore, disturbing rumors suggest that the World Bank has officially requested the immediate release of the project coordinator, Mr. Ambrose Sesay, citing failures in specific project areas, but blaming the minister of Senior Secondary Education and the Minister of Finance, as being behind this. Despite this, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry appears to be resisting this directive, allegedly driven by personal gains from Ambrose Sesay and influenced by protection from his brother-in-law. The community is reminded that Mr. Sesay was formerly instrumental in orchestrating the transfer of a previous Permanent Secretary, Mr. Brima Kebbie, who had stood firm against misconduct, highlighting a pattern that warrants scrutiny.

These issues; ranging from procurement irregularities to leadership conflicts, demand urgent and independent investigation. Therefore, citizens are calling upon the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the World Bank to undertake a comprehensive, transparent inquiry into the operations of the Free Education Project, including procurement practices and management conduct.

They further urged the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to prioritize accountability, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that no individual or interest is above scrutiny. The misuse of public funds, the sidelining of local businesses, and the potential suppression of rightful accountability threaten the very foundation of this national initiative.

The community and the general public demand swift action. It is vital to restore trust, uphold transparency, and ensure that the project genuinely benefits the intended learners and local stakeholders. Only through diligent and impartial investigation can justice and integrity be secured.