By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, has said schools must remain politically neutral and should not be used as platforms for political messaging or partisan interests.
Her remarks come amid controversy over the selection of a guest speaker for Buduck Lower and Senior Secondary Schools’ Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony, a dispute that prompted intervention by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The controversy arose after reports that Modou Cham, the country coordinator for the British charity World Care Foundation, was removed at the last minute as the event’s guest speaker because of his affiliation with the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). Reports alleged that the decision was made following instructions from the ministry.
Responding to the claims, Dr. Drammeh said the selection of guest speakers is ordinarily the responsibility of schools and their surrounding communities and that the ministry does not typically interfere in those decisions.
She said the information presented to the ministry indicated that Mr. Cham’s nomination had been opposed by members of the local community because of concerns unrelated to ministry policy, adding that the issue should have been resolved through consultation with the School Management Committee (SMC) and community stakeholders before the invitation was extended.
“It was a decision that the school could have taken,” Dr. Drammeh said. “Like I said, it’s not a difficult thing; if they had had the meetings with the SMC and the community, it would have been very clear at the onset that we know you want to take him, but we are sorry. We won’t be an audience to him. And you know, they could have quickly, respectfully called Cham and had it addressed.”
The minister said the ministry’s involvement was guided by its responsibility to safeguard the political neutrality of schools and ensure that educational institutions remain focused on learning.
“We should not use school premises as an avenue or sanctuary for political statement-making or political gain,” she said.
Dr. Drammeh stressed that political activities should take place outside school grounds and urged school administrators and invited speakers to ensure that public events are centered on inspiring students rather than advancing political views.
“As long as the audience consists of learners, teachers, and students, I encourage every school administrator and guest speaker to focus on inspiring the learners rather than engaging them in politics. We will not accept politics in our school environment,” she said.
She added that the ministry does not object to politicians or individuals with political affiliations serving as guest speakers, provided their remarks are educational, motivational, and contribute positively to the development of students.
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