Justice Minister Describes Constitutional Amendment Bill as Path from ‘Survival’ to ‘Prosperity’

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. has described Sierra Leone’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 as a historic opportunity to transform the country’s governance framework from what he called a “constitution of survival” into a “constitution of prosperity.”

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, following the First Reading of the Bill, Minister Sesay presented a Ministerial Statement outlining the background, rationale, and processes that informed the proposed constitutional reforms.

He stated that the 1991 Constitution was introduced as a “peace treaty” designed to restore stability and establish a multi-party democratic system following years of political turbulence. However, he noted that the need for constitutional review emerged over time, beginning with the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement, followed by recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2002–2004), and continued efforts by successive governments under Presidents Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Ernest Bai Koroma, and Julius Maada Bio.

Minister Sesay explained that the Constitutional Amendment Bill was developed from two major national processes — the Justice Edmund Cowan Constitutional Review Committee Report of 2013 and the Tripartite Committee Report.

According to him, the Cowan Review Committee was built on extensive public consultations involving more than 10,000 citizens, 133 stakeholder engagements, 150 position papers, and the distribution of 70,000 forms nationwide. He said one of the key recommendations from the review was the introduction of proportional representation.

He further stated that the Tripartite Committee produced 18 consensus recommendations through collaboration between the Government and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), with contributions from relevant stakeholders.

The Justice Minister noted that following the gazetting of the Bill, additional views and submissions from citizens and stakeholders were considered. He added that a technical team comprising Government and APC representatives was established to review concerns raised during the process.

He commended Dr. Emmanuel Gaima and Dr. Kaifala Marah for their leadership and contributions to the Tripartite process, describing their roles as important in achieving consensus on the reforms.

Addressing concerns over the decision to prioritise electoral reforms, Minister Sesay maintained that the move was not politically motivated but in line with international democratic practices supported by institutions such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations.

He explained that electoral laws must be amended well ahead of elections to provide political parties, candidates, and citizens sufficient time to understand and adjust to new rules, while strengthening confidence in the electoral process.

Minister Sesay also assured Parliament that all 16 recommendations contained in the Women’s Manifesto would form part of the broader constitutional reform package. He praised Deputy Minister of Justice Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh for her advocacy and commitment towards advancing women’s inclusion.

Describing the Bill as “not partisan, but generational,” the Minister urged lawmakers to engage in constructive debate and make decisions that reflect the long-term interests of Sierra Leone as the amendment process continues in Parliament.