By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed that it owes staff of the state owned telecommunications company SierraTel a total of six million dollars in unpaid salaries and benefits, as efforts intensify to resolve the long standing issue.
Minister of Communication and Technology, Salima Bah, made the disclosure during the weekly government press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. She assured the public that the government is committed to settling the debt and restoring stability within the company.
According to the minister, the issue has been a major concern for both staff and management, affecting morale and overall operations at SierraTel. She noted that the government has been engaging with employees and other stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the problem.
Minister Bah revealed that through these engagements, the government has secured two million dollars, which will be used as part of the payments owed to staff. She described this as a significant step forward while acknowledging that more work remains to fully address the outstanding balance.
She emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio is fully aware of the situation and is committed to resolving it. The minister added that the government’s objective goes beyond clearing the debt, as it also aims to reposition SierraTel as a key player in the country’s telecommunications sector.
SierraTel, once a dominant force in Sierra Leone’s mobile and fixed line services, has faced a series of operational and financial challenges in recent years. Industry observers say these difficulties have contributed to declining service delivery and reduced competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
The minister said the government’s ongoing efforts are focused on both immediate relief for staff and long term reforms to strengthen the company. She stressed that addressing the welfare of employees is a critical step toward rebuilding trust and improving performance.
While no specific timeline was given for the full settlement of the remaining four million dollars, Minister Bah assured that the government is making steady progress and remains committed to clearing the arrears.
She also reiterated the administration’s broader plan to revive the telecommunications sector, noting that SierraTel remains an important national asset with the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and digital connectivity.
Staff members have long called for action on unpaid salaries, with many expressing concern over the impact on their livelihoods. The latest announcement is expected to bring some relief, although expectations remain high for a complete and timely resolution.
The government has urged patience as it works to address the issue, assuring that steps being taken will not only resolve the current debt but also help restore the company’s position within the industry.
