Government Clears NLe15 Million in Payments to Former SLRTC Workers

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), has completed the payment of over NLe15 million in outstanding gratuity and redundancy benefits to former staff of the defunct Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC).

The disbursement ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the SLPTA Headquarters, PWD Compound, Kissy. It marks a significant step in fulfilling the Government’s financial obligations to workers affected by the closure of SLRTC in 2024. The corporation was dissolved following a 2023 Parliamentary Act that transformed it into SLPTA shifting its role from a transport operator to a national transport regulatory body.

Speaking at the event, Isaac Ken-Green, Acting Director General of SLPTA, recounted the financial and operational challenges that led to redundancies. He emphasized that settling these long-standing obligations demonstrates the Government’s commitment to worker welfare and transparency.

According to official records, a total of Le 15,603,705 was paid to cover six months of backlogged salaries, gratuity, and benefits for both permanent and contract workers. The payment also addressed institutional obligations to NASSIT and other suppliers.

Ken-Green explained that while 70 permanent staff were declared redundant, 18 employees were absorbed into SLPTA to support its regulatory mandate. “The restructuring reflects broader public transport reforms aimed at separating regulation from service delivery,” he said.

Edward Kwame Yankson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, praised the patience of former staff and urged beneficiaries to use their payments wisely, describing the gesture as a well-deserved reward for their service.

Abdulai Conteh, Acting Deputy Director of Labour and Employment, affirmed that the process complied with labor laws, while civil society advocate Alphonso Manley called it “a victory for justice and worker welfare.”

Former SLRTC employees expressed deep appreciation. “Today, we are truly happy and relieved,” said one beneficiary. “This payment brings closure after years of waiting.”

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of cheques by Ken-Green and Yankson, marking the final step in settling all pending claims.