Freetown, May 6, 2025 — The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has confirmed receiving summary dismissal letters for over 1,000 Sierra Leonean employees of Koidu Limited, sparking widespread concern and protests over workers’ rights and alleged unfair treatment.
In a statement released Tuesday, MELSS assured the public and affected workers that the government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice and legal compliance.
“We wish to assure all affected parties and other stakeholders that the Government of Sierra Leone will use all appropriate channels to ensure that the labour and employment rights of its citizens are fully protected,” the statement read. “This will be done in line with the extant labour laws and international best practices.”
The Ministry further urged calm, adding that “we will keep affected parties and the public briefed.”
This development follows reports of a peaceful protest staged by hundreds of former Koidu Holdings employees who allege they were unfairly dismissed.
Earlier this year, the company’s workforce had engaged in a prolonged industrial strike over alleged poor working conditions. Despite multiple mediation efforts involving MELSS and other stakeholders, tensions remained high. Workers had previously stated that they would not return to work until their demands were fully addressed.
The standoff appears to have escalated. In letters now circulating on social media, Koidu Limited cites “gross misconduct” as the basis for the dismissals, accusing the workers of participating in an illegal strike.
The terminations were made effective from March 5, with the company declaring that the affected employees are not entitled to payment or end-of-contract benefits.
The situation remains tense, with calls mounting for both the company and the government to find a sustainable resolution to the growing crisis.
MELSS has reiterated its commitment to upholding labour rights and maintaining industrial harmony in Sierra Leone.
