“One and a Half Vehicles, Few Staff” – Labour Minister Swaray Flags Ministry’s Operational Challenges

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has disclosed that severe logistical constraints and limited staffing are preventing the ministry from effectively carrying out its mandate across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during an appearance on Truth Media, Minister Swaray said the ministry is currently grappling with inadequate personnel, limited mobility, and insufficient funding to implement its programmes nationwide.

According to the minister, although Cabinet has already approved the recruitment of additional personnel to strengthen the ministry’s workforce, the process has been delayed due to challenges at the government institution responsible for handling staff recruitment.

He explained that the delay has left the ministry operating with far fewer staff than required to effectively oversee labour standards, employment issues, and workers’ welfare in the country.

Minister Swaray also drew attention to the ministry’s critical mobility challenges, revealing that it currently operates with what he described as “one and a half” official vehicles.

“I say one and a half vehicles because one of the ministry’s official vehicles is in a very bad condition and requires proper maintenance before it can be used,” he said during the interview.

The minister emphasized that the shortage of vehicles and other logistical resources has made it extremely difficult for ministry officials to carry out routine duties such as monitoring labour activities, conducting workplace inspections, and implementing government labour policies across the country.

He noted that without adequate mobility and staffing, the ministry’s ability to effectively supervise labour practices and ensure compliance with employment regulations remains significantly constrained.

The disclosure has raised concerns about the operational capacity of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, which is responsible for regulating labour standards, addressing employment matters, and protecting the welfare of workers throughout Sierra Leone.