By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has cautioned lawmakers against introducing provisions that would curtail the executive powers of the President, as Parliament continues detailed scrutiny of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025.
Speaking during the Committee Stage debate on Wednesday, 5th July 2026, Speaker Thomas stressed that Sierra Leone’s Constitution must preserve the full authority of the Presidency, noting that governance is competitive and any political party could assume power and benefit from the amendments.
“Nobody should make law to limit the powers of the President,” he told MPs. “The President is the Supreme Head of State in any country, and therefore, his constitutional executive powers should not be limited in any form.”
The Speaker emphasized that the framers of the 1991 Constitution vested significant powers in the Presidency to ensure decisive leadership, especially during national crises. He urged MPs to legislate for institutions rather than individuals, stressing that amendments should serve all Sierra Leoneans regardless of party affiliation.
Thomas reminded lawmakers that political fortunes can change through elections, and any party could benefit from the reforms.
The Bill proposes reforms to strengthen governance, improve electoral processes, and align the Constitution with current democratic trends.
The Speaker made it clear he would not support proposals aimed at weakening presidential powers, warning that such measures could undermine governance and create institutional gaps. Instead, he called for amendments that promote stability, transparency, and accountability.
Parliament continues its clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, with MPs seeking to balance effective executive authority with mechanisms that safeguard democratic governance.