New Director General of Sierra Leone Correctional Service: A Profile

Joseph John Senessie, popularly known as “Senzo,” has been appointed as the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS).

A dedicated public servant, Senessie has consistently demonstrated his commitment to national duty, making significant contributions to the institution throughout his career.

His extensive experience in corrections, combined with exceptional leadership and communication skills, has made him an indispensable asset to the SLCS. Known for his work ethic, determination, and ability to foster collaboration, Senzo’s appointment is widely seen as a positive development for the institution.

Senessie holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Njala University, earned in 2008. In 2015, he furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Administration from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).

He began his career in January 2009 when he joined the SLCS as a Recruit Prison Officer. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, holding several critical positions, including Staff Officer at SLCS Headquarters, Officer-in-Charge (OiC) of Mafanta, Bo Male, Pujehun, and Makeni Correctional Centres, OiC of the Male Reintegration Correctional Centre, Deputy Regional Commander (South), Regional Commander (North East), Acting Director of Agriculture, and Director of Human Resources.

Senessie’s career has also been marked by numerous international training opportunities. He completed the ASP-Cadet Officer Training in Kaduna, Nigeria, in 2011, and participated in the Corrections Management Systems program in Colorado, USA, in 2018.

In 2014, he trained in Rice Planting Technology in China, and in 2021, he served as a United Nations Corrections Advisor in South Sudan. Following his promotion to Assistant Director of Corrections in September 2024, Senessie was officially named Director General of the SLCS on January 10, 2025.

His leadership is expected to drive the institution forward, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in corrections management.