By: Miracle Seer
At the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s annual fundraising dinner held at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., delivered a powerful message on the importance of unity within the legal profession. In his speech, he pledged to lead this effort by engaging all parties to unite under one umbrella Bar as “there is only ONE Sierra Leone Bar Association.”
“As your Attorney General and Minister of Justice, I make a commitment to lead this effort. I commit to work with the leadership of the Bar and with other colleagues who have embarked on an alternative journey. Let us all get together. “
Alpha Sesay Esq. reminded the gathering of the immense power that the legal profession holds in influencing national development. He called on members of the Bar to embrace their responsibility with renewed vigor, emphasizing that the legal profession, whether through advocacy, litigation, policy development, or legal education, has the capacity to contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s progress.
“The future of Sierra Leone is within our grasp. We must reflect on our duty and responsibilities as legal professionals, ensuring that our collective efforts build a better and brighter future for the country,” he stated.
The Attorney General also spoke about the importance of a strong, constructive relationship between the legal profession and the government. He emphasized that, while their roles may differ, their objective remains the same: to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the nation’s interests. He called for an independent judiciary, a fair legal system, and a legal profession that commands respect, highlighting that the Bar’s credibility depends on its commitment to ethical practice.
In addressing the public’s growing concern about access to justice, Alpha Sesay Esq. stressed that legal services should not be a privilege for a select few but a fundamental right for all citizens. He underscored the need for efficient court systems, reminding those present that “justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.”
The Attorney General pledged to continue working with the Bar to ensure that the justice system works for the people, particularly those who are marginalized. He emphasized that by providing sound legal advice, representing the vulnerable, and upholding fairness and equality, the legal profession would contribute to a more resilient democracy and a sustainable development trajectory.
Alpha Sesay Esq. also reflected on the government’s ongoing legal reforms, mentioning several landmark legislative achievements such as the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024, the Customary Land Rights Act, the abolition of the death penalty, and the repeal of the seditious libel law. He further assured that the Attorney General’s office, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Bar Association, would continue to champion reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
One of the key efforts the Attorney General highlighted was the long-awaited constitutional review process, which has been ongoing for over two decades. He reiterated the commitment of both the government and the Bar to work collaboratively with civil society groups to finalize a constitution that accurately reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans.
“As the Attorney General and Titular Head of the Bar, I urge all lawyers to unite under the banner of the Sierra Leone Bar Association,” he concluded. “We are the oldest Bar Association in West Africa, and through the years, we have helped the country overcome many challenges. While we have faced internal struggles, we have always remained united as one Bar, and together, we can continue to move Sierra Leone forward.”
The event served as a call to action for all lawyers in Sierra Leone, underscoring the importance of collective effort, unity, and integrity in upholding the law and contributing to the development of the nation.
