By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq, has assured citizens in Makeni City and the wider Bombali District that the government remains committed to modernizing Sierra Leone’s justice system and finalizing the long-awaited Constitutional Review Process. He made this assurance during an engagement held on Tuesday as part of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Civic Day Series.
Addressing a cross-section of stakeholders, Mr. Sesay announced that the new Criminal Procedure Act 2024 officially came into force that same day, replacing a law that had been in place for over thirty years. He explained that the outdated framework had long posed challenges to justice delivery, leading to delays, backlogs, and inefficiencies in the courts. The new Act, he said, introduces modernized procedures aimed at ensuring trials are fair, speedy, and accessible to all citizens, including those living in provincial communities.
“The Criminal Procedure Act 2024 is not just a replacement of old laws; it is a tool to strengthen justice delivery across the country,” Sesay told residents. “We want every Sierra Leonean to trust that justice is not only available, but also timely and fair.”
He cited the recent robbery incidents in Bo City and the killing of a Reverend Father in Kenema as examples of cases that will now be prosecuted under the new framework. According to him, the Act provides mechanisms to fast-track such matters, guaranteeing both efficiency and justice in accordance with the law.
Turning to the Constitutional Review Process, the Attorney General reminded citizens that the exercise has been ongoing since the Lomé Peace Agreement of 1999. He paid tribute to the late Justice Edmond Cowan, who chaired the Constitutional Review Committee and oversaw broad-based consultations with more than 10,000 citizens nationwide. Sesay emphasized that the review is not the initiative of a single administration, but rather a national effort carried forward under three successive Heads of State.
“This process reflects continuity and consistency in governance,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that the Constitution we adopt is inclusive, transparent, and representative of the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.”
Sesay further disclosed that the revised Constitution will reinforce fundamental human rights and embed critical governance reforms. Among the key guarantees will be the continuation of landmark policies such as free quality education, which he said must be preserved as a constitutional right for future generations.
He revealed that a new chapter dedicated to governance is currently being drafted, focusing on accountability, transparency, and checks on the exercise of state power. Once the technical drafting phase is completed, the proposed Constitution will be laid before Parliament and subsequently presented to citizens for approval.
The Attorney General also highlighted the government’s determination to sustain broad public engagement throughout the review. He assured residents of Bombali that their views and contributions will remain central until the final adoption of the new Constitution.
“Citizens’ participation is the foundation of this process,” he stressed. “This Constitution will not belong to the government; it will belong to the people of Sierra Leone.”
The Makeni event formed part of a nationwide series of civic engagements designed to deepen citizens’ understanding of ongoing reforms and promote active participation in shaping the country’s democratic future.
