Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, announced his firm commitment to eradicating corruption and malpractice within the country’s education system.
In a post shared on social media, after speaking in a critical meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2024, with key stakeholders, including Deputy Directors of Education, Members of Parliament from the Committee on Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, and the National Council of Head Teachers, Sackey emphasized the urgent need for accountability in the upcoming academic year.
“It’s time to root out unscrupulous practices within our education system and ensure that accountability is prioritized in the upcoming academic year,” Sackey declared. “This year is going to be different. I made it clear that people will be held responsible. We’re going to hold everyone accountable, and that starts now.”
The Minister was particularly vocal about the issue of absenteeism during exams, which he described as a significant drain on the government’s already limited resources.
“If someone is invited to an exam and doesn’t show up, the government still pays for that seat. That’s money wasted—money that could be used to recruit more teachers or pay school fees. This cannot continue,” he said, warning that those responsible for such wastage would be held accountable.
Sackey also did not hesitate to outline strict consequences for fraudulent activities, particularly in relation to false reporting by school administrators.
“If a head teacher submits a list with fake names, they will face suspension, and their salary during that period will be redirected to cover the losses,” he warned.
However, Sackey assured educational leaders that his approach would not be purely punitive.
“I’m not just here to wield the stick. I’m committed to supporting our educational leaders. If you need resources, I will do everything in my power to provide them, even if it means asking donors for help,” he stated, underlining his commitment to improving the education sector.
“Accountability begins at home, within the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, before we take it to the public. I won’t account for things that aren’t my responsibility, but I will ensure that those under my leadership are held to the highest standards,” Sackey affirmed.
In closing, the Minister reiterated his dedication to integrity within the education system, vowing that “those who undermine this system will face the consequences. It’s the right thing to do, and we must get it right.”
