By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a decisive move to quell growing tensions within the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, President Julius Maada Bio has directed the Minister of Works, Dr. Denis Sandy, to proceed on immediate leave. The action follows the circulation of audio recordings that revealed a heated dispute between the Minister and the Chief Director of Public Works.
The directive was communicated in a letter dated September 22, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the President, Barba B. Fortune. According to the letter, the matter had been brought to the “high attention of His Excellency the President” and was now in the public domain, warranting urgent intervention from the Presidency.
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The recordings, which have been widely shared across social and traditional media platforms, captured a confrontation between the two top officials of the ministry. The fallout has raised public concerns about the state of governance and coordination within one of the country’s most crucial ministries, responsible for infrastructure development and public asset management.
In response, President Bio has ordered that Dr. Sandy proceed on leave with immediate effect while an administrative review is undertaken. The letter further emphasized that all officers concerned should remain in their respective positions, and the subject matter should be put on hold until the review is concluded.
This decision effectively places the ongoing conflict on ice, preventing further escalation while the President’s office looks into the matter. The move underscores the seriousness with which the administration views internal disputes that spill into the public domain, especially those involving high-profile government officials.
Political observers suggest that the President’s intervention was aimed at safeguarding public trust in the government’s ability to manage internal disagreements responsibly. Analysts also note that the Works Ministry plays a pivotal role in the government’s infrastructure agenda, making it imperative for leadership at the ministry to function with unity and professionalism.
Dr. Sandy, who has served in various ministerial roles, is a well-known figure in Sierra Leone’s political landscape. However, this latest controversy threatens to overshadow his work in the ministry, at least temporarily, as the review unfolds. The Chief Director, whose position places him at the center of the ministry’s administrative machinery, has not been asked to step aside, suggesting that the President’s office is prioritizing stability while the review is ongoing.
The President’s decision has sparked mixed reactions among citizens. Some view it as a bold step in ensuring accountability and transparency at the highest levels of government, while others argue that the conflict should have been handled quietly without reaching the public arena.
Regardless of public opinion, the incident highlights the growing impact of leaked communications in shaping governance outcomes. With social media amplifying internal disputes, the government now faces increased pressure to address issues swiftly and transparently.
As the administrative review takes shape, attention will remain fixed on the Office of the President for updates. For now, the directive sends a clear message that President Bio is determined to uphold discipline, protect the integrity of state institutions, and maintain public confidence in his administration.
