The visit led by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), Mr. Joseph J Senesie and her Deputy Madam Susan B Coker and other Senior staff on Saturday 5, July 2025, was for the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, to inspect the agricultural farm, to see how they can engage other inmates, to provide sufficient food to feed them and also boost food security in the Country.
Engaging the Minister, DG Senesie hightlighted some of the gains made over the years, adding that the farm engages inmates in agricultural activities to boost food production, food security and the Feed Salon Program. He revealed that the facility has also seen progress, including the establishment of a piggery and cattle ranch. The DG further expressed the need for funding to expand its agricultural activities into large-scale mechanised farming.
Minister Lengor Esq, appreciated the SLCS team, for an improved condition, with systems and processes within the Correctional facilities, ensuring fair treatment of inmates. He emphasised the importance of security, encouraging staff to work as a team and uphold professionalism at all times.
During the visit, the Minister also tour the varrious Correctional Facilities at Mafanta, Bombali District, including the carpentry and tailoring workshops, the rice, corn and cassava farms, as well as their piggery and cattle ranch. Impressed by inmates engagement in agricultural activities, he noted that the dream if given the necessary support, in two to three years they can provide sufficient food to feed the inmates, with possibility of reducing the burden on Government.
The Minister also visited the Rolako village, in Makari Chiefdom, which has a great potential for the relocation of almost all the inmates in Pademba Road at a cheaper cost.
The Paramount Chief of Makari Chiefdom, PC Bai Makari N’kolo who led the team, lauded praises for the initiative by the the Government, through the Minister, expressing hope of leaving a legacy after his tenure. He further assured the team of their commitment and acceptance for the development of the nation.
The Minister’s visit to Mafanta was part of a larger effort to sensitize staff, visit detention cells, addressing inmates with a message of hope across varrious Correctional Centres in the North East Region, including Makeni, Mafanta and Magburka.The Minister stressed the importance of unity among them, and the need to maintain strong security standards within the Correctional facilities. He further pledged his support, and emphasised his commitment to prioritizing their reforms.
The Minister was also joined by the Resident Minister of North East, Honourable Ibrahin Jalloh, who also lauded the initiative of the SLCS in boosting food production, while thanking them for their effort and dedication in serving the nation. Appreciating PC Bai Makari for his assurance of the portion of land for the relocation of the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre. Hon. Ibrahim also convened words of encouragement and optimism to inmates which formed part of the visit.
Additionally, the Deputy Director General of SLCS, Madam Susan B Coker noted that, through support from Government and their development partners, they have also made tremendous strides in engaging the inmates through different skills training, with a focus on self-sufficiency and self-earning, and also transforming them to facilitate their reintegration into society. She also announced plans to establish a poultry farm, to further expand its agricultural initiatives.
Concluding, the team, also visited the ongoing SLCS construction site at Waterloo Correctional Centre at Kissy Town, Waterloo in the Western Area Rural District, wherein, they informed the Minister about the encroachment of certain individuals constructing residential areas within the facility, craving for government swift intervention, to restoring the facility. Minister Lengor Esq, responded affirmatively reassuring them of Government intervention in ensuring the safety and security of the facility.
Credit: MIA Communications Unit
