By Yusufu Sesay
In recognition of the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Sonoco proudly joins the global community in reaffirming its unwavering commitment to workplace safety and employees’ well-being. This year’s observance centers around the theme “Transforming Workplace Safety and Health: The Impact of AI and Technologies.”

The event, which was held at Sonoco Flour Mill Construction Site at Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Cline Town in Freetown, brought together Sonoco workers, government officials and other institutions’ representatives to reflect on progress made and reaffirm a collective commitment to workplace safety.

The commemoration features: Firefighting training, Mpox awareness and employee engagement activities promoting a culture of proactive safety.

In his keynote address, Sonoco General Manager, Mark Pritchard, emphasized Sonoco’s guiding philosophy built around three core principles - “Three Ps”: Protect your Property, Protect your Planet, and Protect your People.

He highlighted the company’s US$50 million investment in a new state-of-the-art flour mill in Cline Town, a strategic move not only aimed at boosting the national economy through exports but also at strengthening food security for Sierra Leoneans. He reminded the audience that protecting property means safeguarding everything used in daily operations, from machinery and offices to vehicles and infrastructure.
Pritchard said Sonoco is committed to operating in a way that complies with both local and international environmental standards.

“Protecting our planet,” he said, “means reducing waste, conserving resources, and leaving a cleaner, safer world for future generations.”
The most important pillar, he emphasized, is protecting people. Human life, he said, is the most valuable asset of all, and Sonoco is committed to ensuring the health and safety of every employee, contractor, and community member.

The General Manager commended the efforts of the company’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team, especially the twice-weekly toolbox meetings that keep safety front and center. “No effort is too great when it comes to protecting lives,” he said. “We are fully committed.”

Deputy Executive Director, National Public Health Agency, Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandy, spoke about the mission of the agency that was established in December 2018 by presidential directive to coordinate pandemic responses.