By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a statement at the weekly Government Press Conference on Tuesday, July 17, 2024, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, announced a transformative shift within the Ministry of Labour. Hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the conference revealed ambitious goals aligned with the President’s Big 5 Agenda, aiming to create jobs for over 500,000 Sierra Leoneans.
The Minister highlighted the introduction of a Market Information System, a tracker that monitors employment data from the informal sector, migration trends, enterprise data and occupational safety. Another key initiative is the Labour card, designed to aid Government planning and reform. These efforts address critical areas needing more Government intervention.
“The primary purpose of the platform is to encourage job seekers to access posted jobs and register with the Ministry of Labour,” Minister Swaray stated. “It facilitates job matching and tracks employment history.” He also announced that the Ministry, historically understaffed, now has clearance to employ up to 200 more Sierra Leoneans in decent jobs.
A review of work permits has led to significant reforms, generating over 16 million Leones this year, a notable increase from last year’s less than 9 million Leones. Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized that these proceeds go to the Consolidated Fund, expecting even better results by year’s end.
“In the next 90 days we will be fully digital enabling us to trace workers anywhere,” he announced.
Addressing middle manpower level opportunities, the Minister reported resolving payment benefit disputes at organizations such as Standard Chartered Bank, Sierra Rutile, and the Sierra Leone Airports Authority. A significant area under reform is workmen’s compensation. A new bill introduced in parliament aims to overhaul workplace compensation, ensuring non-compliant employers face shutdowns.
“We are aware that the current minimum wage is inadequate, and discussions to review it have commenced,” Swaray acknowledged.
Regarding labour migration, the Minister revealed measures to combat unethical practices. The Ministry has registered 23 private recruitment agencies to provide legal migration pathways. These policies ensure decent job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans seeking work abroad.
The Minister also highlighted a successful meeting with the International Labour Organization (ILO), noting that for the first time since 1976, the Ministry is fully paid up, unlocking numerous capacity-building opportunities.
On social safety nets, Swaray announced a program supported by the World Bank, targeting over 11,000 aged individuals, with details to be disclosed soon.
In conclusion, Minister Swaray introduced a policy on volunteerism, offering young people the chance to acquire skills and experience. “Our efforts are transforming the Ministry of Labour, ensuring that we provide better opportunities and protections for workers across the nation,” he said.
These initiatives contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to creating a more equitable and efficient labour market in Sierra Leone.
