Freetown, 16 September 2026 — The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has issued a public notice calling on all employers in Sierra Leone to strictly comply with Section 25 of the Employment Act, 2023, regarding the protection and payment of workers’ End-of-Service/Gratuity Benefits.
The notice, released from the Ministry’s offices in New England Ville, Freetown, reminds both public and private sector employers of their statutory obligations under the Act (Act No. 15 of 2023).
Section 25 requires employers to establish a separate End-of-Service/Gratuity Benefits Bank Account for the payment of terminal benefits. Employers must also submit an annual status report on the account to the Commissioner of Labour, adhere to the prescribed arrangements governing such accounts, and obtain prior written notice from the Commissioner before withdrawing any funds.
The Ministry emphasised that these requirements are mandatory. Employers have been directed to immediately review their existing arrangements and ensure full compliance with the law.
Failure to comply constitutes an offence. Upon conviction, an employer or responsible officer faces a fine of not less than 300 months of the national minimum wage, imprisonment for a term of not less than three years, or both. In cases of repeated non-compliance, the law provides for the possible closure of the offending establishment.
The Ministry stated that it will intensify monitoring and enforcement to protect workers’ terminal benefits and ensure adherence to the provisions of the Employment Act, 2023.
The notice concludes by urging all employers to comply fully, warning that defaulters will face the full consequences prescribed by law.
