Internal mismanagement… Minister of Basic Education in Hot Water

By Abdul Rahman Bah

During a parliamentary sitting, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, was summoned under Section 107 by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to address growing concerns over systemic issues within his ministry.  In a strongly worded address, the Speaker expressed deep frustration over internal mismanagement, lack of oversight, and questionable practices linked to individuals within the Ministry itself. Speaker Thomas highlighted troubling reports that second-year students have become entangled in administrative irregularities, placing the blame not only on external factors but also squarely within the Ministry. “You see the second-year kids are also involved in all of this. Never give up your time,” he said, pointing out that several ministry staff members own schools and are using their positions to upgrade and favor these institutions, thereby contributing to the very problems the Ministry is supposed to solve. He called attention to a culture of internal dysfunction, noting that many school principals bypass the Ministry entirely when making decisions and that some teachers even conduct admissions behind the backs of both principals and ministry leadership. “Minister, take control of your Ministry,” the Speaker urged, adding that, he should take full control. He admonished him further that they are all in this job not to make friends. Drawing from personal experience as a former teacher, the Speaker conveyed a deep understanding of the education sector’s challenges. He warned the Minister about the dangers of misplaced trust, noting that often the individuals closest to leadership are the ones undermining efforts from within. “Sometimes the very people that will come very close to you are the very ones that are…” he said, trailing off, but clearly indicating betrayal and internal sabotage. The Speaker concluded his statement by assuring the Minister that he would be given time to respond to all the issues raised. His remarks have since sparked urgent conversations about internal accountability, ethical conduct within the Ministry of Education, and the pressing need for strong leadership in the face of systemic decay.