By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Sierra Rutile management has engaged the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, on redundancy payments, local employment opportunities and compliance with labour laws, amid concerns over workforce management at the company’s operations in Sierra Leone.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by the company’s management to the minister following his appointment, providing an opportunity for both sides to discuss employment-related issues and strengthen cooperation between the company and the ministry.
One of the key issues discussed was a redundancy exercise conducted in May, which affected 14 managers through voluntary and compulsory redundancy. The company also sought the ministry’s engagement on end-of-service benefits for the affected employees.
Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile, Lima Sufian-Kargbo, said the company was committed to maintaining a close working relationship with the ministry, particularly on local content requirements and employment matters.
Sufian-Kargbo also highlighted the challenge of balancing staffing requirements across the company’s Area One and Area Five operations while ensuring that communities in both areas benefit from available employment opportunities.
Responding, Minister Koroma emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between employers and workers, noting that cooperation between the two sides was essential to creating a stable labour environment.
On the outstanding end-of-service benefits, the minister explained that the matter was currently before the court. He added that the ministry had sought guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on the interpretation of the relevant legal provisions.
Koroma further disclosed that discussions were ongoing between the government, the Employers’ Federation and the Labour Congress regarding the implementation of Section 25 of the Employment Act.
According to the minister, the two labour organisations had been requested to develop a practical approach to implementing the provision, with the aim of ensuring clarity and effective application of the law.
He assured Sierra Rutile’s management that the ministry would continue to engage employers and workers to promote compliance with labour laws, safeguard employees’ rights and support job creation.
The engagement underscores the importance of continued dialogue between the government and private sector operators in addressing workplace concerns, strengthening labour relations and ensuring that employment practices comply with the country’s legal framework.
It also highlights the need to balance companies’ operational requirements with workers’ welfare and the expectations of host communities for fair access to employment opportunities.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on wednesday, 4th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
