The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the management of Bintumani Hotel following complaints from aggrieved staff regarding the non-payment of their National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions for over four years.

The hotel, which is managed by a Chinese company, is accused of failing to meet its obligations under the National Social Security and Insurance Act of Sierra Leone, which mandates employers to contribute to the social security fund on behalf of their workers.

According to reports, the employees approached both NASSIT and the ACC after years of being denied their rightful contributions, which are crucial for securing pensions and other social security benefits. The staff claim that the hotel’s management has consistently defaulted on payments, leaving them vulnerable as the end of the company’s management contract approaches in December 2024. At that time, ownership of the hotel is set to revert to the Government of Sierra Leone after 24 years under Chinese management.

The employees further alleged that some of their colleagues have recently been unfairly dismissed, suggesting this could be an attempt by the management to avoid paying end-of-service benefits ahead of the handover. They plan to escalate their complaints to the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, calling for immediate action to protect their rights.

An ACC official, speaking to the press, emphasized that the investigation will examine the hotel’s financial records to determine the extent of unpaid contributions and any potential misconduct. Companies that fail to comply with social security laws not only breach legal requirements but also undermine the social safety net for the country’s workforce, the official noted.

If the hotel is found to be in violation, it could face severe penalties, including fines and mandatory payment of outstanding contributions.