The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, has intervened to address the growing welfare challenges facing employees of the state-owned telecommunications company, Sierratel, as it continues to struggle with significant operational and financial difficulties.
Her intervention comes at a time when Sierratel workers are grappling with salary arrears, unpaid end-of-service benefits, and limited access to medical support—issues that have persisted for several years. These challenges are largely attributed to the company’s declining operations, driven by outdated infrastructure and reduced revenue.
Speaking on the situation, Minister Bah acknowledged the severity of the crisis and its human impact, noting that the company’s technical decline has directly translated into hardship for its workforce.
“The moment Sierratel’s operations declined, the company became financially distressed,” she stated, adding that the inability to meet staff obligations has had serious consequences for employees and their families.
According to government data presented by the Ministry of Labour, staff-related liabilities have reached approximately $6.3 million, covering salary arrears, leave allowances, and other entitlements. In addition, Sierratel owes over $35 million to external creditors, including two Export-Import (Ex-Im) banks, with the Government currently servicing those debts.
Minister Bah’s intervention is aimed at stabilizing worker welfare while broader discussions continue regarding 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 affected both its workforce and service delivery, with many customers shifting to private operators.
Despite these challenges, Minister Bah reaffirmed the 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 long-term viability.