The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, has stepped in to address the growing welfare challenges facing workers at the state-owned telecommunications company, Sierratel, as it continues to struggle with operational and financial difficulties.
The intervention comes at a time when Sierratel employees are grappling with salary backlogs, unpaid end-of-service benefits, and limited access to medical support, issues that have persisted over the years. These challenges are largely linked to the company’s declining operations, driven by outdated infrastructure and reduced revenue.
Speaking on the situation, Minister Bah acknowledges the depth of the crisis and its human impact, noting that the company’s technical decline quickly translated into hardship for workers.
“The moment the operations of Sierratel went down, the company became financially distressed,” she stated, adding that the inability to meet staff obligations has had serious consequences for employees and their families.
Government data, as presented by the Ministry of Labour, indicates that staff-related liabilities have reached approximately $6.3 million, covering salary arrears, leave allowances, and other entitlements. In addition, Sierratel owes more than $35 million to external creditors, including two Ex-Im banks, with government currently servicing those debts.
Minister Bah’s intervention is focused on stabilizing worker welfare while broader discussions continue on the future of the company. Her ministry is working to restore confidence among staff and ensure that their concerns are prioritized as part of any recovery strategy.
Once regarded as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector, Sierratel’s decline has significantly impacted both employees and service delivery, with many customers shifting to private operators.
Despite these challenges, Minister Bah re-affirmed government’s commitment to protecting workers’ livelihoods while pursuing a sustainable solution to revive the institution.
For many Sierratel employees, the Minister’s engagement signals renewed hope that long-standing issues, particularly unpaid arrears, will be addressed as part of efforts to reposition the company for the future.
©️ Stratcom Unit – MOICE
