By Amin Kef-Ranger
The Management of LEOCEM Sierra Leone Cement Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of the Diamond Cement Group, has raised alarm over escalating acts of intimidation, harassment and interference in its operations by individuals claiming to be civil society activists. In a formal letter addressed to the Ministry of Trade, the company expressed deep concern about the growing disruption to its business activities, calling for urgent attention to safeguard its operations and reputation.
According to the company, the latest incident, described as “disturbing and hostile,” occurred on the morning of July 11, when five individuals, one of whom claimed to be a Parliament staff, visited the company’s premises without prior notice. LEOCEM Management stated that the group demanded access to confidential documents, including staff contracts, salary structures and company policies. They also allegedly threatened to inspect and take photographs of the company’s laboratory and production sites.
Management reported that when asked for proper identification, only one individual presented a national ID card and another a complimentary card, while the rest failed to provide any form of identification. Despite this, the group reportedly insisted on their demands and accused LEOCEM of producing substandard cement, which they claim has caused building collapses in the country.
“They alleged that their research shows the cause of recent building collapses is not poor reinforcement but the quality of cement produced by our company,” LEOCEM stated in its letter addressed to the Minister of Trade.
When access to the requested documents was denied, the group allegedly issued threats, including arresting a staff member, banning the sale of the company’s products and eventually shutting down LEOCEM operations entirely.
“They even went as far as taking photographs of our staff and visitors without approval and threatened to publish defamatory content in the media,” the company’s Management wrote.
LEOCEM emphasized that the incident has left employees feeling threatened and demoralized, and has created a hostile environment that negatively affects their operations. The company described the actions of the individuals as not only unlawful but also detrimental to the business climate in Sierra Leone.
Operating since 1994, LEOCEM highlighted its longstanding commitment to quality, adherence to national regulations and ongoing collaboration with relevant Government institutions for certifications and accreditations. Management also reiterated the company’s contribution to national development through employment, tax revenue and investment in local communities.
“This sort of unverified attack on our reputation has the potential to undermine not just our operations, but investor confidence in the country,” the letter noted.
The company is calling on the Ministry of Trade to intervene swiftly and investigate the matter ensuring that proper due process is followed in addressing any concerns raised by civil society actors or members of the public.
LEOCEM concluded by reaffirming its commitment to expanding its operations and encouraging private sector investment in Sierra Leone, while appealing for protection of its staff and business from unlawful intimidation.
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to key stakeholders including the Permanent Secretary and Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS), the Chairman of SLAM, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, the Secretary-General of the Union of Mass Media and company records.
