Freetown – Miro Forestry Company has clarified concerns and allegations circulating on social media regarding the death of Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara, a worker assigned to the Company’s Boiler Section.
The clarification was made during a meeting held at the Company’s conference room, attended by representatives of the deceased’s family, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and the senior management of Miro Forestry Company.
The engagement followed reports circulating on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms alleging that Mr. Kamara had been denied sick leave and subsequently died on the Company’s premises.
The Company’s Senior Human Resources Officer, Kadiatu Bah, presented relevant employment and leave records and explained the Company’s procedures for managing annual and sick leave.
She clarified that sick leave is processed through the Company’s clinic, which issues the appropriate medical documentation and recommendations, while annual leave is administered by the Human Resources Department.
According to the records presented, Mr. Kamara had been granted days off and sick leave between 23 March and 13 April. The Company further stated that he had sought medical attention outside the Company during that period, although details of the condition were not disclosed to the Company clinic.
The Safety Manager, Mr. Evans, also provided information on workplace safety measures and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
He stated that employees in the Boiler Section are provided with specialised PPE, including leather aprons, gloves, goggles, ear plugs and safety boots. Records presented during the meeting indicated that Mr. Kamara had been issued with the required PPE.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident:
Management explained that Mr. Kamara and another employee had been assigned to feed Boiler 5, described by the Company as a relatively small boiler.
The employees commenced work at approximately 6:00 a.m. On the day of the incident, the Company said Mr. Kamara did not report any health-related concerns before the incident occurred at approximately 12:35 p.m.
According to the account presented, the Acting Supervisor, Mohamed Sesay, observed Mr. Kamara experiencing difficulty maintaining his balance and subsequently collapsing.
Employees immediately responded and took him to the Company’s on-site clinic, where medical personnel assessed his condition. Due to the seriousness of his condition, arrangements were made for his transfer to Community Health Foundation Hospital for further medical attention.
Mr. Kamara was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Cause of Death:
The Company stated that it requested an autopsy to establish the medical cause of death. However, the deceased’s family declined the request, citing cultural considerations, and subsequently took custody of the body for burial.
During the engagement, information was also provided suggesting that Mr. Kamara may have had an underlying health condition for which he had reportedly been receiving treatment outside the Company.
The Company emphasised that, in the absence of an autopsy, the definitive medical cause of death could not be established.
During the meeting, the deceased’s elder brother, Alimamy M. Sankoh acknowledged that some statements made on social media were issued out of grief and emotion. The family subsequently expressed regret and agreed to retract the statements concerning the Company.
The family also appealed to Management to consider another member of the family for possible employment. Management indicated its willingness to consider the request subject to the Company’s recruitment procedures and availability of suitable opportunities.
Miro Forestry Company further assured the family that all outstanding benefits due to the deceased would be processed in accordance with applicable labour laws and the Company’s employment conditions.
The engagement ended with an understanding between the parties to promote accurate information and address concerns through constructive dialogue rather than unverified reports on social media.
