Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella-(KKY)
The Ministry of Energy is currently embroiled in a major internal conflict over immediate and long-term solutions to Sierra Leone’s severe energy crisis. Senior officials from the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) are extremely concerned about the solutions proposed by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Energy Sector Lead. Many insiders refer to his plans as the “Grim strategy,” predicting that the severe power outages will continue until 2026.
Attendees at Dr Yumkella’s meetings have expressed frustration, claiming that his proposed solutions lack clarity and fail to address the country’s urgent needs. A senior Energy Ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, chastised Dr Yumkella for making what they saw as empty promises devoid of actionable strategies. This official also claimed that Dr Yumkella has shown a concerning lack of understanding of the operations of both EGTC and EDSA. In one particularly concerning meeting, Dr Yumkella proposed diverting the CLSG Interconnection line from Teloma to Freetown, which currently supplies power to the southern and eastern regions.
This proposal drew immediate criticism from government representatives in the affected areas, who highlighted the dire consequences for residents, effectively keeping them in the dark. When confronted with criticism, Dr Yumkella shifted his focus to potential collaborations with neighbouring Guinea, raising new concerns about his decision-making process.
On June 21, 2025, EDSA announced a temporary power outage to accommodate emergency maintenance and the commissioning of a new substation on the CLSG-Transco route. During this time, Dr Yumkella directed EDSA to sign a Power Purchase Agreement with Guinea, claiming that it would improve Sierra Leone’s electricity supply. However, he failed to disclose key details about the agreement, such as its financial implications and impact on Sierra Leoneans.
The atmosphere inside the Ministry has become increasingly tense, as Dr Yumkella appears to be managing the energy sector alone, with no clear strategy. Senior management has described his short-term strategy as lacking focus and clarity, particularly in terms of mitigating the inconvenience caused by power outages and researching alternative energy sources.
As the energy crisis worsens, the Ministry of Energy faces mounting pressure to develop a viable plan that addresses immediate challenges while also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable energy future. The continued confusion and lack of direction under Dr. Yumkella’s leadership have raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to effectively manage the energy crisis, leaving many citizens concerned about their power supply in the coming months. The situation necessitates immediate action and a rethinking of strategies to ensure Sierra Leone can navigate this critical period in its energy sector.
