CSO Exposes Maccem Cement Company
By: Kadiatu Sankoh
The National Consortium on Public Accountability in a press release dated 20th January 2026 has accused Maccem Cement Company Limited for violation of labor laws, human rights abuse, tax fraud, and environmental pollution.
Maccem CEO: Ahmed Mackie : is always on the news for the wrong reasons
According to the Consortium, the allegations stem from a series of complaints received from both workers and residents living in communities surrounding the company’s operational jurisdiction. Amongst the key concerns the consortium highlighted includes; environmental pollution, lack of health insurance coverage for high-risk staff, alleged tax evasion schemes, and unsafe working conditions respectively.
The Consortium further stated that on 20th February 2026, it wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the company seeking clarification on the issues raised but that the company failed to respond. The release furthered that a follow-up letter was issued this year, accompanied by a nine-day ultimatum. Although the company opted for a meeting instead of a written reply, the Consortium claims that during the engagement, Mr. Ahmed Mackie failed to provide satisfactory explanations or evidence addressing the concerns. The meeting reportedly ended with assurances that the company would address workers’ and community grievances. However, months later, the Consortium says no concrete action has been taken.
Minister of Labour-Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swarray
The Consortium also alleged that more than 80 percent of residents in areas surrounding the company’s facilities particularly along Jenneh Wright Road, Ferry Junction, Blackhall Road, and Cline Town are experiencing troubling health and environmental effects linked to cement dust and machinery emissions.
Residents have reportedly raised concerns about persistent inhalation of dust particles, which they associate with respiratory complications and declining quality of life. Local markets, schools, and places of worship are also said to be affected.
Traders at the Peace Market in Ferry Junction have allegedly threatened protest action, claiming that cement dust settling on goods has compromised food safety and negatively impacted their livelihoods
The Consortium further alleges that several casual and permanent staff remain undocumented and that the previous supply of milk to workers has ceased. Additionally, it claims that high-risk machine operators and other exposed workers lack adequate health insurance coverage, contrary to provisions in labour laws designed to protect employees in hazardous environments.
The statement recalls that in 2023, the Minister of Labour, Mr. Swarray, reportedly warned the company about safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) concerns, particularly relating to workers’ exposure to dust. According to the Consortium, these concerns remain unresolved.
Beyond environmental and labour issues, the Consortium alleges that the company may be under-declaring production volumes and revenues to reduce tax liabilities. It further claims possible collusion with certain stakeholders and construction companies at the customs level to evade taxes, actions it believes undermine national economic growth.
The Consortium outlined broader systemic issues, including:
Inadequate government oversight, which it says leaves communities and workers vulnerable
Concerns over revenue transparency amid allegations of tax evasion by large businesses.
Outdated labour policies that fail to adequately protect workers
The Consortium is calling on relevant authorities to take immediate steps, including:
An independent and transparent environmental audit by the Environmental Protection Agency, with findings made public.
An investigation by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation into potential health impacts on affected residents.
A comprehensive review of the company’s tax compliance by relevant authorities to ensure full declaration and payment of dues.
Stronger environmental protection laws and enforcement by local government and regulatory bodies.
The Consortium announced plans to: Continue media engagement until environmental concerns are addressed.
Organize a major community press conference at the company’s operational site.
Mobilize community protest action if necessary.
The National Consortium on Public Accountability emphasized that sustainable development requires strict adherence to Sierra Leone’s environmental regulations and tax laws. It urged the government to take decisive action to address what it described as severe environmental and public health implications.
The Consortium concluded that responsible corporate citizenship demands strong environmental safeguards, respect for community wellbeing, and full compliance with national laws. It expressed confidence that transparent dialogue and corrective measures can restore public trust and ensure that industrial growth benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
For ease of reference, see press release…
2ND FEBRUARY, 2026
The Chief Executive Officer, Mackie
Cement Company
Wilberforce Street Freetown.
RE- SUBJECT: FORMAL NOTICE OF LABOUR LAW VIOLATIONS,
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, TAX EVASION AND ENVIRONMENTAL
HARM THEREIN SERVES AS AN ULTIMATUM OF 9 DAYS
COMMENCING EFFECTIVELY AND IMMEDIATELY
We write to you on behalf of National Consortium on Public Accountability, a group of Civil Society Organizations committed to the promotion and protection of labour rights, human rights, tax evasion and environmental justice.
It has come to our attention, through documented reports, workers’ testimonies and field observations, that Mackie Cement Company is allegedly engaged in practices that constitute serious violations of national labour laws, internationally recognized human rights standards, and environmental protection regulations. These violations appear to have directly and adversely affected your workforce. In our previous engagement with the CEO Ahmed Mackie, we were told in his office that he will certainly address the inadequacies we pointed during our meeting. Unfortunately, the issues remain unresolved.
The reported concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Unsafe and unhealthy working conditions that place employees at risk of injury or illness
- Excessive working hours, inadequate rest periods, and noncompliance with wage and overtime regulations
- Intimidation, harassment and retaliation against workers who raise concerns or attempt to exercise their lawful rights are punished.
- Failure to respect workers’ dignity, including discriminatory or abusive treatment
- Environmental practices that expose workers to hazardous substances and degrade the surrounding environment, thereby endangering their health and wellbeing. It is clear that our field staff testimonies of abandoned workers in your workplace.
We have also observed that Mackie Cement is clandestinely conniving with some local Companies to fraud the state. The Company is allegedly evading taxes at the detriment of the state.
Such practices, represent clear breaches of [relevant national labour laws], applicable environmental regulations, and international standards including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and universally recognized human rights principles.
We hereby call upon the Mackie Cement Company to:
- Immediately cease any practices that violate labour, human rights, and environmental laws
- Conduct an independent and transparent assessment of working conditions and environmental impacts
- Remedy all identified harms, including compensation and medical support where applicable
- Establish effective grievance mechanisms that protect workers from
retaliation
- Provide written confirmation of corrective actions taken within 15-30 days.
Failure to take prompt and meaningful action may compel us to escalate this matter to relevant regulatory authorities, international oversight bodies including Parliament and other appropriate stakeholders.
This letter is issued in good faith, with the expectation that Mackie Cement Company will act responsibly and in compliance with the law to safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of its workers.
We remain available for constructive engagement and expect your formal response within the stated timeframe.
Action Points:
- Effectively engage the media
- engage the responsible state and non- state actors
- protest at the working environment of Mackie Cement Company
Conclusively, we will continue to reveal all private sectors that are using illegal means for self-aggrandizement and to the expense of the masses.
Yours faithfully,
Ahmed M. Yillah Executive Secretary for CSOs National Consortium on
Public Accountability (078808123)
The Secretary to the President
The Speaker of Parliament
The Chief Minister
The Minister of Labour and Social Security
The Minister of Finance
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice
The Minister of Environment Climate Change
The Head of Government Business Parliament
The Commissioner General National Revenue Authority
The Director General NASSIT
The Commissioner Human Right Commission
Opposition Leader
The Commissioner, Anti -Corruption Commission
The Chairman NCPA
The Media
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