A coalition of civil society organisations has accused Mackie Cement Company of operating what it describes as conditions resembling “modern-day slavery,” alleging that local workers are being stripped of their rights and subjected to systematic abuse with little accountability.In a formal notice dated 2nd February 2026, the National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA) issued a nine-day ultimatum to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Mackie, demanding urgent corrective action over what it called widespread labour law violations, human rights abuses and environmental harm.According to the Consortium, testimonies from workers and field observations paint a disturbing picture of employees allegedly trapped in unsafe and degrading working conditions. The group claims workers are exposed to hazardous substances without adequate protection, forced to endure excessive working hours, denied proper rest periods, and deprived of lawful overtime compensation.The letter further alleges a climate of fear within the company, where workers who attempt to raise concerns or assert their rights are subjected to intimidation, harassment or retaliation. Civil society monitors say such conditions create an environment where employees feel powerless and voiceless, effectively reducing them to expendable labour.“These practices, if substantiated, reflect a blatant disregard for the dignity, safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean workers,” the Consortium stated, warning that no company operating within the country should be allowed to trample on fundamental rights with impunity.Beyond labour concerns, the NCPA also accused the company of environmentally harmful practices that allegedly endanger both workers and surrounding communities. It further alleged that the company may be involved in tax evasion schemes that deprive the state of critical revenue.The coalition has demanded that Mackie Cement immediately halt any unlawful practices, commission an independent and transparent investigation into working conditions, compensate affected workers where necessary, and establish grievance mechanisms that protect employees from retaliation.Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe, the group warned, will trigger escalation to regulatory authorities, Parliament and international oversight bodies. The Consortium also signaled plans to mobilize the media, engage state and non-state actors, and stage protests at the company’s premises if meaningful action is not taken.As of press time, Mackie Cement Company had not publicly responded to the allegations.