By Alice Kamara
On Tuesday, 5th May 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre, a renewed sense of hope and determination filled the air as government officials, partners and stakeholders gathered for the official launch of Sierratel.
In a heartfelt and reflective address, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, took the audience through both the difficult history and the promising future of the national telecommunications company.
He spoke about the state in which Sierratel was inherited, once a thriving institution that later fell into serious challenges due to years of mismanagement, outdated systems and growing financial pressures. Reflecting on the vision guiding the current administration, he reminded the gathering of the President’s words: “This country has suffered for far too long. Let us be that group of men and women who have saved her.”
The Minister also spoke openly about the various efforts made over the years to revive the company, including cabinet discussions and attempts to restructure its operations. While not all of those efforts succeeded, he noted that they helped lay the groundwork for the progress being marked today.
He commended the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, for her dedication, highlighting the extensive work carried out behind the scenes to ensure the success of the launch. According to him, the moment represents not only institutional recovery but also a significant national and personal milestone.
The Labour Minister further drew attention to the human side of Sierratel’s difficulties, acknowledging the challenges faced by staff and their families during the difficult period. He stressed that the relaunch is about restoring both opportunity and dignity.
Looking into the future, he emphasized the importance of stronger systems to protect workers and prevent a repeat of past challenges. Citing labour law provisions, he stated: “Every employer must accrue and deposit in a separate end-of-service account all end-of-service benefits.”
As the event came to a close, the message remained clear – the rebirth of Sierratel represents more than a corporate turnaround. It stands as a symbol of resilience, accountability and a shared commitment to building a stronger Sierra Leone.
