On Friday, May 17, 2024, a significant event took place at the old Freetown Airport Terminal, marking a crucial phase in the restructuring of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA). Ambassador Colonel (Rtd) Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, led the distribution of severance payment cheques to former employees of the SLAA. This event represented the second phase of severance payments and aimed to address the financial entitlements of retirees and redundant staff following the restructuring process.

The restructuring of the SLAA has impacted around 500 employees, leading to their redundancy. To mitigate the effects of this transition, a comprehensive severance payment plan has been put in place. In the initial tranche, payments were made to 40 staff members. This recent ceremony saw an additional 37 former employees receiving their due payments. The total amount allocated for severance payouts stands at a substantial $7.5 million. This financial commitment underscores the government's dedication to ensuring that all affected staff members are adequately compensated.

Minister Turay emphasized the government's commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the former SLAA employees. He announced that the Freetown International Airport (FIA), in collaboration with various stakeholders, has pledged to disburse $350,000 monthly until November. This structured payment plan is designed to ensure that all redundant staff receive their benefits by the specified deadline.

"The Ministry will ensure all staff are paid by November this year. FIA has committed to making payments every month till November to bring the process to a befitting end. We urge all parties to exercise patience as the process continues. The leadership will protect staff welfare at the airport. However, we encourage all staff to be diligent and keep the airport safe," stated Minister Turay during the event.

Ibrahim Sheriff, the Country Manager of Freetown International Airport (formerly Summa), reaffirmed FIA's commitment to adhering to the severance payment schedule. He assured the former SLAA employees that the process would proceed as planned, with FIA fulfilling its financial obligations. This assurance aims to provide former employees with confidence and security as they transition from their previous roles.

Jack Massaquoi, General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the severance payment distribution. He extended his gratitude to FIA and all involved parties for ensuring that the former staff members receive their entitled benefits. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of teamwork and coordination in addressing the needs of the affected employees.

Additionally, Mr. Abdulai Conteh from the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, addressed the attendees, reminding them that receiving their severance benefits would officially end their employment with SLAA. He highlighted the Labour Ministry's role in upholding labor rights throughout this transition process. This reminder serves to clarify the official status of the former employees and the importance of understanding their new standing post-severance.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of bank statements to the beneficiaries. This formal presentation marked a significant milestone in their transition from SLAA, symbolizing the closure of one chapter and the beginning of another. The event underscored the collaborative efforts of the government and FIA in addressing the welfare of the former airport staff and ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.

The distribution of severance payments is a critical component of the restructuring process, aimed at providing financial stability and support to the affected employees. It reflects the government's commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring that all redundant staff are treated with respect and fairness during this period of change. The ongoing efforts to disburse payments on a monthly basis until November demonstrate a structured approach to managing the transition and ensuring that all obligations are met in a timely manner.

In summary, the severance payment ceremony led by Minister Turay was a pivotal event in the restructuring of the SLAA. It highlighted the government's commitment to supporting former employees through financial compensation and underscored the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure a smooth and respectful transition for all affected staff members.