By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has ruled that the Motor Drivers Union and the General Transport Workers Union must conduct their national executive elections by June 30, 2025. The decision, issued on Friday, May 9, 2025, by a five-judge panel, also mandates the unions to regularize their memberships to ensure fair representation.
The ruling follows a legal battle between the union’s current president, Alpha Amadu Bah, and his opponent, Abu Saidu. The dispute led to an earlier injunction by the court on March 20, 2025, which halted the election process.
Bah initiated legal proceedings on November 20, 2024, filing a Notice of Motion to challenge alleged external interference in the union’s electoral process. In response, the Supreme Court issued an injunction, barring all parties from moving forward with the elections until a final decision was reached.
After hearing arguments from both legal teams, the court has now lifted the injunction and set June 30, 2025, as the deadline for the elections, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural standards. It also stressed the importance of verifying union memberships and addressing concerns over voter eligibility.
The Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union plays a crucial role in representing transport workers across Sierra Leone, making the upcoming elections a key moment for the industry’s leadership and direction.