The statement said: “This is as a result of their continued unlawful resistance to the new arrangements relating to the operations of the container terminal, which aims among others, to improve infrastructure and reduce waiting time for the clearing of goods at the Ports.

The general public will recall that the Government signed an agreement with the Bollore’ Group on the 25th November 2010, to achieve these objectives. According to the concession agreement the company will undertake to employ part of its operational and technical staff from the SLPA workforce on more favourable terms.”

The statement continues: “Accordingly, the Government and the Sierra Leone Ports Authority engaged the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, which represents the Dock Workers Union and the Maritime and Water Front Union, and reached a severance payment plan for the affected workers, in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Despite all these progressive arrangements, the Government notes with grave concern, reports of threats to disrupt operations of the Ports without lawful justification.”

It concludes that: “In this regard, the Government hereby strongly warn all those who intend to disrupt the smooth operations of the Ports to desist from such unlawful actions. Any act of disorderly behaviour will be met with the full force of the law. You have been warned!”