Commentary

Six secondary school principals in the capital Freetown have been suspended for a period of two months effective from April 15 to June 15, 2024 following investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into alleged admission improprieties during the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) intake process.

The principals were accused of breaching agreed intake numbers, admitting pupils above the established cut-off marks, and potentially under-declaring available classroom spaces.

Following their invitation for questioning by the ACC, the Commission recommended administrative measures be taken against the principals. As a result, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has suspended all six principals for a period of two months.

To ensure continued school operations during the suspension period, retired principals from the respective schools have been appointed as acting caretakers.

The affected schools are Annie Walsh Memorial SSS, Saint Edwards SSS, Saint Joseph’s SSS, Prince of Wales SSS, Methodist Girls High School SSS, and Albert Academy SSS.

The Ministry of Education is expected to release a statement regarding the suspensions and the ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness within the school admission process.