By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr Ibrahim Bangura has paid tribute to the resilience and dedication of Sierra Leonean workers while calling for urgent reforms to improve wages, protections and opportunities across the country.
In a statement marking International Workers’ Day, Dr Bangura praised the contribution of workers in all sectors, describing them as the driving force behind national growth and stability. He highlighted the role of citizens in farms, mines, classrooms, markets and offices, noting that their daily efforts continue to sustain the nation’s economy.
Despite their importance, he said many workers still face difficult conditions that fail to reflect their true value. He pointed to low wages, limited labour protections, rising unemployment among young people and the increasing struggle to meet basic living costs as major concerns.
Dr Bangura warned that no country can achieve meaningful progress if its workforce remains undervalued. He stressed the need for immediate and practical steps to address these challenges, adding that improving the welfare of workers must be treated as a national priority.
Looking ahead, he outlined a vision focused on creating a more inclusive and people centred economy. According to him, this approach will emphasise decent work, fair pay, skills development and stronger systems to protect workers’ rights.
He also called for increased investment in education and innovation as a way of preparing citizens for future opportunities. Strengthening labour institutions and ensuring they function effectively was another key part of his message, which he said would help safeguard the interests of workers across all sectors.
Dr Bangura further stated that empowering workers is essential to building a stronger and more resilient economy. He noted that when citizens are given fair opportunities and adequate support, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that promote dignity in work and expand access to economic opportunities. His vision, he said, is for a Sierra Leone where every citizen can thrive through honest effort and where hard work is rewarded fairly.
Closing his message, Dr Bangura expressed solidarity with workers nationwide and encouraged unity in the pursuit of a more just and prosperous society.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to create lasting change and ensure that the contributions of Sierra Leonean workers are properly recognised and rewarded.
