By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Free Education Project Secretariat, managed by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and supported by the World Bank through a Multi-Donor Trust Fund, has issued a strong refutation of recent misleading reports in both mainstream and social media. According to Augustine Bami Anthony, the Public Relations Officer of MBSSE and Manager of Education Radio, these reports are part of a deliberate effort by certain individuals to undermine the achievements and integrity of the Secretariat by spreading false and unfounded information.
In response to these claims, he said the Secretariat emphasized that the allegations are not only baseless but also represent a weak and ineffective attempt to discredit its significant contributions to improving education in Sierra Leone.
He continued by intimating how the Project Coordinator, Ambrose T. Sesay, alongside his team, expressed their dissatisfaction with the tactics used, stressing that the truth will eventually prevail and the public will come to appreciate the positive impact of the Secretariat’s work over the past four years.
Augustine Bami Anthony furthered that Ambrose T. Sesay has noted that the Secretariat has remained committed to transparency and welcomes scrutiny from individuals, stakeholders and institutions interested in their ongoing or upcoming initiatives.
He maintained that according to the Project Coordinator these programs include the construction of hostels for girls in underserved communities, a key initiative aimed at promoting access to education for all.
The Public Relations Officer continued that Ambrose T. Sesay is also reassuring the public that all procurement processes and project implementations are carried out in full compliance with best practices and contractual agreements.
He additionally mentioned how the Secretariat is calling on journalists and media outlets to practice balanced reporting and avoid spreading rumors that serve only to discredit those making significant strides in Sierra Leone’s education sector.
“Instead of succumbing to false narratives, the Secretariat urges a focus on the tangible progress made under the Free Education initiative,” he enjoined.
He concluded by encouraging the public to disregard these malicious efforts, reaffirming that the Secretariat, under the supervision of the MBSSE and leadership of the Project Coordinator, Ambrose T. Sesay , remains steadfast in its mission to enhance access to quality education for all Sierra Leoneans  despite attempts to derail its progress.
