Post a comment The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, held its Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Civic Centre, focused on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and what members of the public need to know about the proposed reforms.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie A.A. Bawoh, served as host. In his engagement, Deputy Minister Bawoh emphasised that constitutional matters should not be viewed exclusively through the lens of politics or political parties.
He stressed that the Constitution is a national document that affects every citizen and therefore discussions surrounding its amendment should be approached from the perspective of the country’s long-term interests rather than narrow partisan considerations.
The Deputy Minister reflected on Sierra Leone’s political and constitutional development over the years, noting that the country’s democratic system has continued to evolve. He cautioned against making comparisons or drawing conclusions without properly understanding the country’s constitutional history and the circumstances that have shaped its political institutions. According to him, citizens need to examine constitutional questions carefully and avoid allowing political differences to overshadow the substance of proposed reforms.
Bawoh further argued that constitutional provisions should not be designed to permanently favour any particular political party or group. He maintained that the Constitution belongs to the people and should therefore serve the interests of the nation irrespective of which political party is in power. He emphasised the importance of creating and maintaining institutions and laws that can withstand political transitions and continue to protect citizens under different administrations.
Addressing concerns surrounding the constitutional amendment process, the Deputy Minister pointed to the importance of established legal and parliamentary procedures. He noted that constitutional amendments cannot simply be introduced and implemented without following the requirements prescribed by law. The process, he explained, involves appropriate institutional consideration, debate, and the necessary approvals before constitutional changes can take effect.
The Deputy Minister also drew attention to the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional governance, particularly the Supreme Court. He explained that where disagreements arise concerning constitutional provisions or their interpretation, the country’s legal institutions provide avenues for addressing such matters. He stressed that respect for the rule of law and the independence of constitutional institutions remain essential to maintaining public confidence in the democratic system.
Additionally, Bawoh also urged citizens to distinguish between political arguments and factual information when considering the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill. He encouraged the public to seek accurate information about the contents of the proposed legislation rather than relying on speculation, misinformation, or partisan interpretations. He noted that meaningful public participation requires citizens to understand what is actually being proposed and how any changes could affect governance and the rights of citizens.
He further maintained that constitutional reform should ultimately be guided by the national interest and the need to strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. While acknowledging that citizens and political actors may hold different opinions, he encouraged constructive debate and responsible engagement, stressing that disagreements over constitutional issues should be addressed through lawful and democratic means.
Finally, the Deputy Minister Bawoh called on citizens to remain engaged, ask questions, and rely on credible information as they seek to understand the Constitutional Amendment Bill and its potential implications for the country’s democratic future.
