By: Nelson Adebayo Johnson
Sierra Leone’s governance story is stronger when leaders bring experience across sectors. Hon. Mohamed Raman Swaray is one such leader. Before becoming Minister of Labour & Social Security, he served as Minister of Information & Communications from 2018 to 2021 and the results of that tenure still shape how government speaks to citizens today.
ACHIEVEMENTS AS MINISTER OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS 2018-2021:
- Open Government + Press Freedom: Repealed Part 5 of the Public Order Act 1965 the “seditious libel” law. For the first time in decades, journalists could report without fear of jail for criticism. This single reform moved Sierra Leone up 10 places on the World Press Freedom Index.
- Digital Government: Launched the National Digital Switch and pushed for wider internet access. Government ministries began moving services online, laying groundwork for e-governance.
- Public Accountability: Institutionalized weekly Government Press Briefings. For the first time, citizens got direct answers from ministers on TV, radio, and social media every week. No filters, no rumors.
- Media Development: Supported community radio and established the Media Reform Coordinating Committee to strengthen ethical journalism and professional training.
CONTINUING THE WORK AS MINISTER OF LABOUR & SOCIAL SECURITY 2021-PRESENT:
Building on that communication and reform experience, Minister Swaray now applies the same principles of transparency and inclusion to labor:
- Jobs + Skills: 100,000+ youth jobs and training through National Youth Employment Scheme + Sierra Leone Jobs & Growth Hub with 50,000+ registered youth.
- Worker Protection: Led minimum wage review and strengthened Occupational Safety & Health inspections to reduce accidents in mining, construction, factories.
- Social Security for All: Modernized NASSIT and extended coverage to informal sector — market women, kekeh riders, small traders now save for pension.
- Safe Migration: Signed bilateral labor agreements + opened Migrant Resource Center so Sierra Leoneans working abroad get legal protection and pre-departure training.
- Service Reform: Decentralized labor offices to districts and digitalized registration/permits. Tripartite dialogue now keeps government, employers, and unions working together.
THE LINK BETWEEN THE TWO MINISTRIES
As Information Minister, he fought to give citizens a voice and access to truth. As Labour Minister, he fights to give citizens decent work, fair wages, and social protection. Both roles share one goal: putting the Sierra Leonean people first.
From repealing laws that silenced journalists, to creating jobs that silence poverty Hon. Mohamed Raman Swaray’s career shows that good governance is a continuous project.
The Ministry of Labour today is not just processing files. It is protecting lives. And that is a record worth celebrating.
