BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
Retired administrative police officers in Kono District are urging the government of Sierra Leone to accelerate plans for the disbursement of their retirement benefits, citing significant challenges in their post-service lives. The appeal comes amidst reports of financial difficulties and a sense of neglect from authorities.
Major Aiah Musa, a retired chiefdom administrative police officer with over thirty-five years of service, expressed profound disappointment with the current state of affairs. Musa lamented the lack of appreciation for their decades of dedicated service, highlighting the financial strain endured by retirees and their families.
“From the time I was recruited in 1981 until now, it has been a journey fraught with challenges and humiliations,” remarked Major Musa. “Despite our unwavering commitment to serving our country, both past and present governments have failed to address our concerns, leaving us abandoned and marginalized.”
Musa revealed that inadequate salaries received during their active service failed to sustain their families, leading to significant hardships, including the withdrawal of three of his children from school due to financial constraints.
The plight of retired administrative police officers in Kono District worsened in July 2020 when thirty-nine officers were rendered redundant without receiving formal retirement letters or their entitled benefits. Despite numerous appeals to relevant authorities, including the Human Rights Committee, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Minister of Local Government, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Detailing the recruitment process, Major Musa explained that they applied through the chiefdom committee, with applications later reviewed by the watch committee under the supervision of the Senior District Officer. Upon selection, they received official appointment letters approved by the government of Sierra Leone, granting them the authority to enforce law and order within their jurisdictions.
Tragically, a significant number of the redundant officers have since passed away, leaving their families without access to crucial benefits owed to them. Major Aiah Musa, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, implored Minister Tamba Lamina of the Local Government Ministry to expedite the process of disbursing their long-overdue benefits, which they rightfully earned through years of dedicated service.
The plight of retired administrative police officers in Kono District underscores broader systemic issues surrounding pension disbursement and the welfare of retired public servants in Sierra Leone. As retirees continue to grapple with financial hardships, urgent intervention from the government is imperative to alleviate their suffering and honor their years of service to the nation.
