By Kadijatu Bangura, Staff Reporter
Employees and retirees of Sierra Leone Telecommunications Company (SierraTel) are alleging that the state-owned telecom operator has disregarded a presidential directive to settle over NLe326 million in unpaid salaries and staff benefits, issued several months ago.
The directive, reported by Truth Media, followed an advocacy letter from Abdul Fatoma, Executive Director of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), to the Office of the President. On August 4, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio instructed the Ministries of Communication and Labour to address the prolonged labor crisis at SierraTel.
Foday Barrie, Coordinator of Access Network at SierraTel, noted, โThe President directed that necessary steps be taken, but nothing has changed for the workers.โ Lansana Papa Kamara, an IT technician and trade unionist, reported that the ministries assessed the companyโs liabilities, totaling over NLe326 million, including salary arrears and leave allowances.
โThe ministries completed their work and sent the file to the Ministry of Finance,โ Kamara said. โSince then, we have not heard anything further.โ
SierraTel has faced financial distress since 2022, and employees claim they are owed up to 23 months of unpaid salaries, leading to severe hardships. Barrie mentioned, โEvery day we are losing colleagues. Some staff are homeless, and others are battling serious medical conditions.โ
Kamara added that the workforce has significantly dwindled due to worsening conditions, citing that the company used to employ over 400 individuals, many of whom have resigned or left due to health issues and poor working conditions.
Lilian Koroma, a Customer Care Representative and single mother, lamented going 18 months without a salary, questioning the governmentโs commitment to gender inclusion. โFeeding my family is extremely difficult, and I can no longer afford rent,โ she said.
Retirees are also voicing concerns regarding unpaid benefits. Mohamed Badamasie Cole, former Head of Media and Public Relations at SierraTel, stated, โI am owed six monthsโ salary and more than two years of unpaid leave.โ He noted that their formal communications to management were ignored, with the Finance Department deflecting responsibility to the government.
With communication between the Ministry of Communication, the SierraTel Board, and Interim Management reportedly deteriorating, workers are urging President Bio to intervene personally to ensure compliance with his directive.
As of now, the Ministry of Finance has not disbursed the funds necessary for staff welfare, and attempts to reach the Minister of Communication and other board members for comments have gone unanswered.
For more information, please contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
