By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, is facing increasing calls for suspension following serious allegations of sexual violence and physical abuse made by his stepdaughter, Amira Koroma. The accusations, which have sent shockwaves through the public, raise significant questions about the Government’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence, particularly when it involves high-ranking officials.
Amira Koroma, currently residing in the United States, claims that Dr. Denis Sandy attempted to sexually assault both her and her younger sister, while also physically abusing their mother during his marriage to her. In a public statement, Amira Koroma recounted her experience and expressed her deep frustration with the Sierra Leonean authorities, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the abuse of women and children. “I demand accountability,” she stated, calling on President Julius Maada Bio and international organizations to intervene and address the matter fairly and thoroughly.
Prominent Sierra Leonean journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah has also called for Dr. Denis Sandy’s suspension pending an investigation into the allegations. Amadu Lamrana Bah’s reporting of the matter has shed further light on the gravity of the situation, highlighting the Minister’s failure to directly address the accusations.
When contacted for comment, Dr. Denis Sandy provided a dismissive response, writing in a message, “Hello sir, kikikiki kikiki check d news around en u will get d answer right away.” His failure to confront the allegations head-on was seen as a disturbing attempt to sidestep the issue, raising ethical concerns about his continued role in the Government. Amadu Lamrana Bah criticized this evasiveness, emphasizing that serious allegations of this nature should be met with transparency and accountability, not intimidation.
He argued that President Bio, who has publicly championed the protection of women and girls, must take a moral stand. Amadu Lamrana asserted that Dr. Denis Sandy should be relieved of his duties until an independent investigation can determine the veracity of the allegations. According to him, the President’s inaction risks undermining the credibility of his administration’s commitment to gender equality and the safety of women.
Amira Koroma’s revelations have stirred widespread public outcry. In a detailed account shared on social media, she described years of abuse, including a recent incident in which Dr. Denis Sandy allegedly attempted to assault her younger sister. Amira Koroma’s claims that her sister recorded Dr. Denis Sandy’s advances, which, along with other evidence, she plans to gradually release to support her accusations.
The allegations have ignited a national conversation about accountability, with many Sierra Leoneans expressing outrage that Dr. Denis Sandy remains in his position. Calls for his immediate suspension are growing, with citizens and advocacy groups insisting that the Government take prompt and decisive action. The public has demanded a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the outcome must be transparent and justice must be served.
This case also brings renewed attention to Sierra Leone’s 2019 reforms on sexual violence laws, which introduced harsher penalties for sexual offenders. Despite these legal reforms, many are questioning whether the Government is truly committed to enforcing them, particularly when powerful officials are implicated. Advocacy groups have stressed that this case will serve as a critical test of the Government’s resolve to combat gender-based violence.
Amadu Lamrana Bah and other commentators have highlighted the ethical dilemma facing President Bio’s administration. As the leader of a Government that has prided itself on promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable populations, President Bio faces mounting pressure to suspend Dr. Denis Sandy, while the legal process unfolds. Many argue that allowing the Minister to continue in office while the investigation remains unresolved sends the wrong message to both the public and the international community.
Critics contend that Dr. Denis Sandy’s position in the Government should be reassessed, at least temporarily, in order to safeguard the integrity of the administration’s stance on gender-based violence. The suspension would also demonstrate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.
Amidst the growing calls for action, many are urging the Government to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations. Amira Koroma has expressed her willingness to undergo a polygraph test to substantiate her claims and has shared that she has recordings and other evidence to support her story. The transparency of the investigation will be crucial to ensuring that justice is served, whether the allegations are proven true or false.
As public attention on the case intensifies, there are also reports that Dr. Sandy’s wife, Mary Sandy, has gone into hiding, allegedly fearing for her safety due to the Minister’s history of abuse. This development has further fueled public demands for a swift and impartial inquiry.
The allegations against Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy have become a defining moment for Sierra Leone, particularly in how the Government responds to accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power involving its officials. The growing pressure on President Bio to suspend Dr. Sandy and initiate a transparent investigation reflects broader concerns about gender-based violence in the country and the Government’s willingness to address it.
With calls for justice growing louder, the situation has put the Government in a position where inaction may be seen as tacit approval of such behavior. How the administration handles these allegations will not only affect Dr. Denis Sandy’s political future but also set a precedent for how the Government deals with similar accusations moving forward.
In the end, the country awaits President Bio’s decision, one that could determine the credibility of his Government’s commitment to gender equality and the protection of vulnerable citizens. Whatever the outcome, this case has already sparked a crucial debate about accountability at the highest levels of power in Sierra Leone.
