Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, Joe-Lahai Sormana
The recent blackout crisis in Freetown has brought to light the underlying tensions and power struggles within the government, particularly between the Finance Minister, Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and the outgoing Energy Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay.
There was a deliberate attempt to undermine Alhaji Kanja Sesay and push him out of his position, amidst the chaos of the week-long blackout. The Finance Ministry’s delayed release of funds to the management of Karpowership, only after Alhaji Kanja Sesay resigned, raises suspicions of sabotage.
The swift payment of US$ 17m to Karpowership and US$1.5m to TRANSCO-CLSG following his resignation is seen as a tactic to remove one of President Bio’s most loyal ministers from his position. Alhaji Kanja Sesay, who has been a dedicated and effective minister for almost six years, was made a scapegoat for the government’s failure to address the energy crisis.
The recent blackout crisis in Freetown has brought to light the underlying tensions and power struggles within the government, particularly between the Finance Minister, Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and the outgoing Energy Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay.
There was a deliberate attempt to undermine Alhaji Kanja Sesay and push him out of his position, amidst the chaos of the week-long blackout. The Finance Ministry’s delayed release of funds to the management of Karpowership, only after Alhaji Kanja Sesayresigned, raises suspicions of sabotage.
The swift payment of US$ ofUS$17m to Karpowership and US$1.5m to TRANSCO-CLSG following his resignation is seen as a tactic to remove one of President Bio’s most loyal ministers from his position. Alhaji Kanja Sesay, who has been a dedicated and effective minister for almost six years, was made a scapegoat for the government’s failure to address the energy crisis.
There are underlying power struggles and undermining games at play within the Bio administration. Alhaji Kanja’s resignation has left a void in the government, as he was known for his leadership and commitment to improving the energy sector. His departure has raised questions about the government’s handling of the crisis and the motives behind the delayed release of funds.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, and EDSA must work together to address the root causes of the energy crisis and ensure a sustainable and reliable energy supply for the people of Sierra Leone. Reforms are needed to improve the financial viability of the energy sector and prevent future crises from occurring.
The government must learn from the events that transpired during the blackout crisis, and take steps to prevent similar situations in the future. Alhaji Kanja Sesay’s legacy as a dedicated and effective minister should not be overshadowed by the political games and power struggles within the government. His contributions to the energy sector have been significant, and his departure is a loss for the people of Sierra Leone.
The government’s undermining of Alhaji Kanja Sesay during the blackout crisis highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and unity within the government. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of the crisis and working towards a sustainable energy supply for the people of Sierra Leone. The legacy of Alhaji Kanja Sesay should be honoured, and his dedication to public service should serve as an example for future leaders in the government.