A heated confrontation erupted during a budget meeting at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday when the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr Denis M. Sandy reportedly clashed with his senior staff, ordering some of his senior officials as alleged to leave the Ministry’s Conference Room.
Eyewitnesses say the incident began when the Minister openly attacked the Chief Director/ Professional Head (PH) of the Ministry, Ing Paul Bockarie instructing him to walk out of the Budget Meeting which was slated at 12 noon.
Eyewitnesses further said , the Minister went further, to allege that it was part of his mandate to send and suspend a Civil Servant that he cannot work with; and went on threatening to call security officers to physically remove the PH, Ing. Paul Bockarie from the meeting if he refused to comply.
Tensions escalated further when the Minister turned on the Deputy Secretary, Mrs. Khadie Bakarr accusing her of secretly recording the heated exchange between him and the PH.
The accusation sparked unease in the room, as the Minister harshly rebuked her in front of colleagues.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry, Ms Alimatu Fofanah also came under fire when the PRO was asking the P.S. Dr. Joe Nyuma whether the meeting would be held later in the day as she wanted to leave the office for Jummah prayers.
As of press time, the Minister had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, calls are growing within governance and civil service circles for an independent investigation.
