By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has concluded a comprehensive three-day induction training programme for more than 120 newly recruited Labour and Employment Inspectors and Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors aimed at improving workplace compliance and labour administration across the country.
The training, which took place at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown from 26th to 28th May 2026, brought together newly recruited junior staff from different districts to equip them with the practical and theoretical skills needed to effectively perform their duties.
Addressing participants during the closing ceremony, Deputy Director of Labour and Employment, Abdulai Conteh, congratulated the recruits for successfully completing the programme and urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
“On behalf of management, I would like to thank every one of you for successfully completing the training and being ready to take up your responsibilities,” he stated.
Mr. Conteh emphasized that the Civil Service operates within a structured hierarchy that must be respected at all times, regardless of family ties or personal relationships within the system.
“You may have a brother, uncle, cousin, sister, or any other relative within the system, but the proper reporting line must always be followed,” he cautioned.
He encouraged the newly recruited officers to apply the lessons learned during the induction training, stressing that the programme had provided a strong foundation for continuous professional growth and service delivery.
“Though the training may not have covered everything, it has provided you with a solid foundation, and you will continue to learn and grow on the job,” he added.
The Deputy Director also praised the facilitators for their dedication and commitment throughout the training process, expressing confidence that the knowledge imparted would positively impact labour administration and workplace inspections nationwide.
“In the discharge of your duties, I implore you to be diplomatic, patient, and uphold the principles of professionalism at all times,” he advised. “Avoid responding to accusations with hostility, and always conduct yourselves with integrity and decorum.”
Meanwhile, Director of Occupational Safety and Health, Abdul Karim Conteh, described the recruitment exercise as a major breakthrough for the Ministry, noting that the institution had not undertaken recruitment on such a scale since 2014.
According to him, the Ministry had long struggled with severe staffing shortages in several districts, thereby affecting effective labour inspections and enforcement of workplace regulations across the country.
“In some districts, we have little or no staff at all. Recruiting these officers is therefore a major boost for the Ministry and the country because they will now be deployed to areas where labour-related activities are taking place,” he disclosed.
Mr. Conteh explained that the induction training focused on labour laws, occupational safety standards, workplace inspection procedures, labour administration, and proactive approaches to addressing labour concerns before they escalate into disputes.
He further revealed that the Ministry intends to strengthen preventive labour inspections by ensuring that inspectors regularly visit workplaces and industries to monitor compliance with labour laws and occupational safety regulations.
The Director also commended the increase in female participation during the recruitment exercise, describing it as a positive step toward promoting gender inclusion and equal opportunities within the Ministry.
One of the newly recruited Assistant Labour and Employment Inspectors, Isata Sulaiman, described the training as a transformative and eye-opening experience that has adequately prepared participants for the realities of the labour and corporate sectors.
“This training has empowered us greatly and prepared us to work professionally,” she stated. “We have learned how to investigate complaints properly, remain neutral, and apply labour laws responsibly in the field.”
She expressed appreciation to the Ministry for creating employment opportunities for young people and empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development and workplace reform in Sierra Leone.
