Ministry of Works Staff Demand Dismissal of Minister Over Corruption Allegations

September 22, 2025

Staff at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Works have launched a strike, calling for the immediate removal of Minister Dr. Denis Sandy. They accuse him of corruption, abuse of office, and unprofessional conduct that has destabilized the ministry.

Leading the protest, Principal Surveyor Lawrence Dauda Gbaya claimed that since Sandy’s appointment, he has used divide-and-rule tactics, sidelined professional leadership, and acted in ways that undermine the ministry’s credibility.

One of the most recent points of contention was the minister’s directive sending professional head Paul Bockarie on leave and excluding him from a key budget meeting, actions staff describe as deliberate attempts to weaken internal structures.

The allegations go further, with staff accusing Sandy of manipulating technical evaluations in the sale of government quarters and showing irregularities in procurement for presidential lodges in multiple districts. They argue that contracts were awarded without due process, raising serious concerns about accountability.

As protests continue, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has pledged to intervene, but Minister Sandy has yet to respond publicly to the mounting accusations.