By. Saidu Kargbo
Freetown, 28th April 2028- The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, has unveiled a structured approach to addressing outstanding staff obligations at Sierratel, with a clear reform strategy.
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, emphasized a clearly defined priority framework designed to ensure ‘Fairness and Urgency’ where it matters most.
She explained that a comprehensive staff audit was conducted in collaboration with relevant ministries to determine the true number and status of employees, including current, retired, deceased, and those who had abandoned their posts but remained on payroll records.
The audit revealed 179 total staff, and a detailed financial assessment found that the government owes approximately $6.3 million in staff-related obligations, covering unpaid salaries and benefits such as leave, rent allowances, and union dues.
“Priority will be given to backlog salaries, then retired staff, and benefits for deceased staff,” she stated, while underscoring the government’s intention to ease the burden on those directly affected by prolonged non-payment.
She, however, candidly spoke about the reality of the transition process, confirming that Sierratel will undergo significant restructuring under the new model. “There will be a transition – new management, new structure,” signalling a shift which is aimed at restoring efficiency and effectiveness within the troubled telecom entity.
She also acknowledged that changes may come with difficult consequences for the current staff. “Not all staff may be needed in the company,” she noted.
But, despite these uncertainties, the government reassures that employees financial entitlements remain protected, regardless of future employment outcomes.
“You will get your payment first – even if you are not retained,” she assured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to settling all legitimate obligations before structural changes fully take over.
The combined approach, aimed at prioritizing payments and transparent restructuring, is intended to resolve the long-standing grievances and lay the foundation for positioning Sierratel as a more trusted and viable telecommunication service provider going forward.
