Free Education Project May Be Suspended

Calls to sack ‘Paw Paw’ heightens

By Thaimu Thullah

Recent development at the Free Education Project Secretariat (FEPS) has sparked significant controversy and concern among stakeholders and the broader Sierra Leonean community over an open challenge by Ambrose Sesay, the former Project Coordinator, who was sacked in accordance with directives from the World Bank, a key financier and supporter of the project.

According to sources, Sesay was alleged to have openly challenged the recent administrative changes, which was a recommendation of the World Bank to ensure the project’s transparency and efficiency. Despite being invited by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for questioning, Sesay reportedly boasted around the FEPS corridors, asserting he would not leave his position, claiming he was “not going anywhere.” This defiance, report states, culminated in his eventual departure following official advice.

Another boiling pot of discussion has to do with the protection of the Procurement Specialist, Mohamed Kallon, who many believe could have also followed Sesay, as both of them are known to be the ‘Aki and Paw Paw’ at the Free Education Secretariat. Tongues have been waging that if Aki has been asked to go, why keep Paw Paw, who is also as guilty as Aki? It will interest readers to know that both Ambrose Sesay (Aki) and Mohamed Kallon (Paw Paw) are the main casts acting the corruption movie at the Free Education Secretariat. Aki and Paw Paw have been exposed before this time on similar corruption related offences surrounding procurement irregularities, but reports states that they have strong ties to the Anti-Corruption Commission, who will prefer to cover them with safety blankets, while others are thrown into the commission’s pot of fire.  This is a case of selective justice under the leadership of the current ACC Boss, Francis Ben Kaifala, whose corruption fight, many believe, is targeting opposition members as well as poor teachers and health workers. If the ACC under the leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala is serious in the fight against corruption, they should investigate most of the procurement irregularities under the Free Education Project and prosecute the likes of ‘Aki and Paw Paw’, among others who are known to be the kingpins of procurement irregularities.

Adding fuel to the controversy, reports suggest that Sesay’s reliance on his brother-in-law, the Chief Minister, for protection and influence, has further complicated the situation. His reliance on personal connections rather than adhering to professional protocols has raised concerns about the integrity and future stability of the project.

The ramifications of Sesay’s actions extend far beyond individual disputes. The World Bank has expressed serious reservations about the ongoing impasse, and if the resistance of Ambrose Sesay continues, it could lead to the suspension of the entire project. Such a suspension would have dire consequences for Sierra Leone, potentially leaving thousands of children and families deprived of vital educational services. The suspension would also undermine Sierra Leone’s commitments to international development standards, and could result in a setback in the country’s efforts to improve access to quality education.

As Sierra Leone navigates these challenging circumstances, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize the broader national interest. The successful implementation of the Free Education Project depends on transparency, adherence to agreed guidelines, and the collective will to advance the country’s educational ambitions. Stakeholders must work towards resolving internal conflicts constructively and ensuring that international partners like the World Bank continue to support Sierra Leone’s development goals.

The controversy surrounding Sesay’s dismissal underscores the importance of integrity and accountability in implementing projects of national significance. The government and relevant authorities are urged to handle the situation judiciously to prevent the suspension of the project and to safeguard the educational future of Sierra Leonean children.