From Sierratel’s Collapse to CTC Mining…
HISHAM MACKIE’S CRISIS TRAIL GROWS
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
Lebanese businessman, Hisham Mackie is once again facing intense public scrutiny as the financial and labour crisis at CTC Mining (SL) Limited deepens, with workers accusing the company of subjecting them to what they describe as “modern-day slavery” after months of unpaid salaries, poor working conditions and alleged inhumane treatment.
The latest controversy has revived longstanding public debate over Mackie’s previous business dealings, particularly his association with Teltac Company, which managed Sierra Leone’s international gateway during the period leading up to the collapse of Sierratel. A 2019 forensic audit into Sierratel examined the gateway management arrangements involving Teltac and raised concerns about transactions and management decisions during that period. While the audit has been widely cited in public discussions, any legal responsibility for Sierratel’s collapse remains a matter for the appropriate authorities to determine.
Now, critics say similar warning signs are emerging at CTC Mining, the country’s bauxite mining company.
The company’s worsening financial situation became public after workers staged a protest over prolonged salary arrears and deteriorating welfare conditions. The demonstration prompted an emergency intervention by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, led by Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray, who travelled to the company’s operations at Rogbere Junction to engage management and workers.
During the meeting, CTC Mining management reportedly admitted that the company is facing severe financial constraints and is currently unable to pay workers’ salaries and other employment benefits, some of which have accumulated over several months.
For hundreds of employees, that admission merely confirmed the hardship they have been enduring.
Workers allege they have continued reporting for duty despite going for months without salaries, leaving many unable to feed their families, pay rent, settle school fees or meet other basic household needs. Several described the situation as “modern-day slavery,” claiming they have been forced to work under degrading conditions with little regard for their welfare or dignity.
Employees further alleged that they have been exposed to unsafe and inhumane working conditions while management failed to address their concerns despite repeated appeals.
The crisis has sparked growing concern among labour rights advocates, who argue that no company should continue operations while failing to meet its most basic obligation of paying workers for their labour.
Observers say the unfolding crisis has inevitably drawn comparisons with earlier controversies surrounding Mackie’s business interests, raising broader questions about corporate governance, financial management and accountability.
Many believe the situation at CTC Mining extends beyond a labour dispute and reflects deeper structural and managerial challenges that now threaten the company’s future.
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has pledged to continue engaging both management and workers in an effort to resolve the impasse and ensure compliance with Sierra Leone’s labour laws.
Meanwhile, workers insist that their demands remain straightforward: immediate payment of outstanding salaries, improved working conditions, respect for their rights and an end to what they describe as exploitation in the workplace.
As investigations and negotiations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on CTC Mining’s management and its ability to restore confidence among employees while addressing the serious allegations now confronting the company.
More to come…