By Thaimu Thullah
A recent memo, circulated on August 29, 2024, has sparked significant concern regarding the government’s approach to personnel transfers within key ministries. The document reveals a troubling trend that appears to target specific individuals, particularly within the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.
Sources indicate that while the memo outlines the transfer of several Permanent Secretaries across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, its true intent may be to obscure a singular, controversial transfer. This move is believed to be a direct response to media scrutiny surrounding the World Bank-funded initiative aimed at procuring solar tablets for schools under the Free Quality Education Program.
According to information obtained by this media outlet, the Procurement Specialist and the Project Coordinator involved in this initiative reportedly attempted to manipulate procurement rules to favor a particular company. Despite their efforts, Permanent Secretary Braima Kebbie stood firm against these actions, advocating instead for adherence to established protocols.
Furthermore, it has come to light that the Procurement Specialist and Project Coordinator had a pre-existing relationship with a company they were inclined to award the contract to, despite that company’s failure to meet the required criteria. As media coverage of the situation intensified, it appears that a decision was made to transfer Kebbie to another ministry, disguising the transfer as part of a routine reshuffle, while simultaneously executing a broader transfer of other officials to mask the targeted nature of the action.
This situation raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within the government, especially in the context of public procurement processes. As the narrative unfolds, it remains imperative for stakeholders to demand clarity and uphold ethical standards in managing public resources. The implications of these actions could have lasting effects on the credibility of the Free Quality Education Program and the trust of the public in governmental operations.
The situation warrants close monitoring as it involves not only the integrity of the procurement process, but also the broader implications for governance and public trust in institutional frameworks.
It could be recalled that the Chairman of the Evaluation Committee, Sheik Tejan Rogers, was sacked because he stood firm for transparency into the entire process. He was sacked on recommendation of the Project Coordinator, who happens to be the in-law of the current Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh.
And now that the media has delved into the issue, the next person target is the Permanent Secretary, Braima Kebbie, who has been transferred to Fisheries Ministry with Brima Sowa replacing him.