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A follow-up audit by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has raised serious concerns about the treatment of mentally ill inmates at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre.
The report found that conditions fall far short of acceptable standards, exposing prisoners with mental health challenges to abuse, self-harm, and deteriorating health. Inmates are often housed with the general prison population without adequate supervision, specialist care, or access to psychiatric treatment.
ASSL noted gaps in mental health screening, limited access to medication, and weak coordination with public health institutions. Some inmates reportedly remained in custody for extended periods without evaluation or treatment, contrary to legal and human rights standards.
The audit recommends that correctional facilities strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health and establish clear protocols for identifying, treating, and, when necessary, transferring mentally ill inmates to appropriate healthcare facilities.
Civil society and human rights advocates have called for urgent reforms, including improved funding, staff training, and the integration of mental health services into prison welfare programs. ASSL emphasized that addressing these challenges is both a legal and moral obligation.
