Hon. Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, Acting Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, has urged Bo District to adopt “community parenting” to combat rising crime rates.

Speaking to over 200 inmates at the overcrowded Male Correctional Centre, Justice Browne-Marke expressed concern about the high number of young inmates and emphasized the need to revive traditional community-based child-rearing practices.

The Chief Justice lamented the situation, stating that many young people are in prison instead of contributing to the future of the country.

Despite recent efforts, including the release of over 100 inmates and new court facilities, the centre remains severely overcrowded with 249 inmates.

Chief Superintendent David Kamara reported that 138 inmates are currently attending court.

Resident Judge Hon. Justice Abu Bakarr Sannoh noted that many detainees struggle with bail conditions due to unreliable sureties.

Local resident Mohamed Sowa supported the Chief Justice’s call for community parenting, highlighting the increased difficulty of raising children amid rising drug abuse and other harmful influences.

The Acting Chief Justice’s call aims to mobilize community leaders, religious figures, and parents to address the root causes of crime and improve youth development in the district.