Miro Forestry Company has responded to allegations that it denied medical leave to a worker who later collapsed and died while on duty, saying its records show that the deceased had previously been granted sick leave and days off.

The company made the clarification during a meeting with representatives of the family of Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and Miro Forestry’s senior management.

Kamara, who worked in the company’s Boiler Section, died in August 2026 after collapsing while at work.

His death sparked allegations from his family and a colleague that the company had refused him medical leave despite requests to seek treatment.

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Kamara’s elder brother, Alimamy M. Sankoh, had previously told Yoni Bloggers that his brother requested medical leave twice but was allegedly denied because there was no one available to replace him.

His wife also said Kamara had complained of fever and other health complications before his death.

A colleague quoted in the earlier report claimed that Kamara collapsed while working around the boiler and had already died before reaching the hospital.

Responding to the claims, Miro Forestry’s Senior Human Resources Officer, Kadiatu Bah, presented employment and leave records showing that Kamara had been granted days off and sick leave between March 23 and April 13.

The company said Kamara also sought medical treatment outside the company during that period, although details of his condition were reportedly not disclosed to the company clinic.

Miro Forestry further disputed claims that Kamara lacked protective equipment.

The company’s Safety Manager, Evans, said Boiler Section workers are provided with specialised protective equipment, including leather aprons, gloves, goggles, ear plugs and safety boots.

Records presented during the meeting indicated that Kamara had been issued with the required PPE.

According to the company, Kamara and another employee were assigned to feed Boiler 5 and began work at about 6:00 a.m.

Miro Forestry said Kamara did not report any health concerns before he experienced difficulty maintaining his balance at about 12:35 p.m.

Acting Supervisor Mohamed Sesay reportedly witnessed the incident and employees immediately took Kamara to the company’s on-site clinic.

The company said he was subsequently transferred to Community Health Foundation Hospital because of the seriousness of his condition, but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. This account differs from an earlier statement by a colleague who claimed Kamara had died at the company’s premises before reaching the hospital.

Miro Forestry said it requested an autopsy to establish the medical cause of death, but Kamara’s family declined, citing cultural considerations, and proceeded with the burial.

The company said there was information suggesting that Kamara may have had an underlying health condition for which he had been receiving treatment outside the company.

However, Miro Forestry acknowledged that the definitive medical cause of death cannot be established without an autopsy.

During the meeting, Sankoh reportedly acknowledged that some statements made on social media were issued while the family was grieving.

The family subsequently expressed regret and agreed to retract statements concerning the company.

The family also requested that Miro Forestry consider another family member for employment. Management said it would consider the request in line with its recruitment procedures and available opportunities.

Miro Forestry also assured the family that any outstanding benefits owed to Kamara would be processed in accordance with applicable labour laws and his employment conditions.

The engagement ended with an agreement between the parties to promote accurate information and address concerns through dialogue rather than unverified reports on social media.