Labour Ministry Intensifies Nationwide Inspections Over Wage and Safety Compliance

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has intensified nationwide labour inspections, declaring compliance with labour laws, wage regulations, and workplace safety standards as “non-negotiable.”

The enforcement exercise, led by the Commissioner of Labour and Employment and senior ministry officials, is part of a renewed strategy to strengthen adherence to the Employment Act 2023, the Work Permit Act 2023, and the newly approved national minimum wage policy.

Inspections began at Splash Purified Water Company in Bo, where officials reportedly identified breaches in occupational health and safety standards, employment regulations, and failure to implement the government-approved minimum wage of Le1,200.

The company was given seven days to address salary and safety concerns.

The team also inspected First Tricon Limited along the Bo-Kenema highway, where management was directed to regularise employment contracts, implement the minimum wage policy, ensure workplace safety compliance, register workers with NASSIT, and secure valid work permits for foreign employees.

In Kenema, inspectors visited Dorwaila Hotel and Hill Top Hotel, where management was engaged on labour compliance obligations. Officials said the Ministry has now shifted from a complaint-based system to a proactive nationwide inspection model.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over informal employment practices, weak contract enforcement, and inconsistent application of minimum wage laws in Sierra Leone’s private sector.

The Ministry said the ongoing inspections are aimed at protecting workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and promoting fair labour practices across the country, with enforcement expected to continue in all regions.