Sierra Leone’s Energy Minister Kanja Sesay has stepped down following a prolonged electricity crisis in the country.
The crisis, which has left many cities without power for days, prompted Sesay to take full responsibility and tender his resignation.
The government also revealed that it had made a partial payment of $17 million to Turkey’s Karpowership, one of the main energy providers in the country. This payment helped restore full electricity supply to the capital, Freetown, where residents had been grappling with blackouts.
The situation had become dire, with hospitals struggling to function without electricity. Tragically, at least one infant reportedly died at a children’s hospital due to the power cuts. Medical staff resorted to using mobile phone torches to carry out procedures, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
In addition to the payment to Karpowership, the government also announced a payment of $1.5 million to TRANSCO-CLSG, another electricity provider servicing the south and east regions of Sierra Leone. The total outstanding amount owed to this provider remains undisclosed.
The energy crisis in Sierra Leone has had far-reaching effects, impacting essential services and daily life for many residents. The resignation of Minister Kanja Sesay marks a significant development in the country’s efforts to address and resolve this pressing issue.
