Controversy Surrounds Dr. Yumkella's Energy 300 Initiative and Leadership

Controversy Surrounds Dr. Yumkella's Energy 300 Initiative and Leadership

Star TV Station Manager Abdul Rahman Kamara has alleged that former Energy Minister Dr. Kandeh Yumkella misled the public regarding his core initiative, Energy 300(Mission300), by presenting it in a manner that suggested its funding was already secured.

Kamara clarified that Energy 300 is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), meaning its successful implementation will rely on attracting private investment over the coming years. He indicated that this misrepresentation caused internal frustration within the Ministry of Energy.

In a recent online interview, Kamara stated that Ministry staff were dissatisfied with Dr. Yumkella's management approach, claiming he was unreceptive to advice, resistant to correction, and dismissive of concerns raised by employees. Kamara further noted that multiple complaints about Dr. Yumkella's conduct had been directed to President Julius Maada Bio.

"Based on my observations," Kamara commented, "Dr. Kandeh Yumkella's leadership authority within the ministry has been compromised unless significant changes are enacted."

Energy 300, Dr. Yumkella's signature project, was designed to extend electricity access to 300 chiefdoms across Sierra Leone. Kamara stressed that presenting the plan as fully funded created a misleading public expectation, given its fundamental dependence on securing future private sector investment.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella's tenure as the head of the energy sector has concluded. Following his 14 months in the role, President Bio has appointed Mr. Cyril Arnold Grant as the new substantive Minister of Energy.