Miro Forestry Company convened a meeting in Freetown on September 12, 2026, to address the circumstances surrounding the death of employee Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara. The meeting, held in the company's conference room, aimed to clarify details following allegations circulated on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. These claims suggested that Mr. Kamara had been denied sick leave and subsequently died on company premises. Attendees included representatives of Mr. Kamara's family, officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and senior management of Miro Forestry Company. The company sought to provide a transparent account of the events leading to Mr. Kamara's passing and address the public discourse.
Employment and Leave Records
Kadiatu Bah, Miro Forestry Company’s Senior Human Resources Officer, presented employment and leave records for the deceased employee. According to these records, Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara was granted days off and sick leave during the period between March 23 and April 13, 2026. This period of leave was documented in the company's official records. The company stated that during this time, Mr. Kamara sought medical attention from facilities outside the company's health clinic. Details regarding his medical condition were not disclosed to the company’s internal clinic, according to Miro Forestry. Information presented during the meeting suggested that Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara may have had an underlying health condition for which he was reportedly receiving treatment independently from the company. The company clarified that it was not privy to the specifics of his external medical care.
Safety Measures and Incident Timeline
Mr Evans, Miro Forestry Company’s Safety Manager, explained the occupational safety measures implemented by the company and detailed the personal protective equipment provided to Boiler Section workers. He outlined the company's commitment to employee safety through various protocols. Records presented during the meeting indicated that Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara had received the required protective equipment for his role, confirming compliance with safety standards. On the day of the incident, Mr. Kamara and another employee were assigned to feed Boiler 5, a routine operational task. Work commenced at approximately 6:00 a.m. Miro Forestry stated that Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara did not report any health concerns prior to the incident occurring at approximately 12:35 p.m. This indicated no immediate signs of distress were communicated to supervisors.
Acting Supervisor Mohamed Sesay observed Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara struggling to maintain balance before he collapsed. This occurred during his shift, prompting immediate concern. Employees quickly transported him to the company’s on-site clinic for immediate attention, demonstrating a rapid response to the emergency. Following initial assessment at the company clinic, arrangements were made to transfer Mr. Kamara to Community Health Foundation Hospital for further medical care, acknowledging the need for more advanced facilities. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital, despite efforts to provide timely medical intervention.
Autopsy and Family Response
Miro Forestry Company requested an autopsy to establish the medical cause of Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara's death, seeking a definitive medical explanation. The deceased’s family subsequently declined this request, citing cultural grounds. They then took custody of Mr. Kamara's body for burial, adhering to their cultural practices. Miro Forestry management stressed that without an autopsy, the definitive medical cause of death could not be established. This position was reiterated during the September 12 meeting in Freetown, where the company addressed the circumstances of the employee's passing. The company maintained that the lack of an autopsy prevented a conclusive medical determination, leaving the precise cause of death unconfirmed from a medical standpoint.
Family Acknowledges and Requests
Alimamy M. Sankoh, the deceased’s elder brother, acknowledged that certain social media statements were made during a period of family grief. The family subsequently expressed regret over these allegations and agreed to retract them, according to Miro Forestry Company officials, recognizing the impact of the unsubstantiated claims. Mr. Sankoh further appealed to Miro Forestry Company to consider employing another family member, a request made during the September 12 meeting in Freetown, seeking continued support from the company.
Company Commitments and Dialogue
Miro Forestry Company management expressed willingness to consider the family's employment request, subject to established recruitment procedures and position availability. The company also assured the family that all outstanding employment benefits due to Sulaiman Bondoh Kamara would be processed, ensuring his entitlements are fulfilled. The meeting concluded with an agreement between Miro Forestry Company and Mr. Kamara's family to promote accurate information and address any future concerns through constructive dialogue, fostering a path for open communication and mutual understanding.
