By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, July 28, 2026: The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has delivered a landmark statement to Parliament on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, describing the reforms as a transition “from a constitution of survival to a constitution of prosperity.”
Sesay reminded lawmakers that Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution was born as a “peace treaty” to secure stability and multi-party democracy. He traced calls for reform back to the 1999 Lome Peace Agreement, reinforced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2002–2004), and advanced under successive governments led by Presidents Kabbah, Koroma, and Bio.
Sources of Reform
The Attorney General highlighted two primary sources for the Bill:
- Justice Edmund Cowan Review Report (2013), which drew on over 10,000 public consultations, 133 stakeholder engagements, 150 position papers, and 70,000 forms nationwide. Among its key recommendations was the adoption of proportional representation.
- Tripartite Committee Report, which produced 18 consensus recommendations jointly developed by Government and the main Opposition APC, with input from major stakeholders. Sesay credited Dr. Emmanuel Gaima and Dr. Kaifala Marah for their leadership in this process.
He noted that after gazetting, further submissions from citizens and stakeholders were reviewed by a technical team comprising Government and APC representatives.
Key Provisions
The Bill introduces two major reforms:
- Proportional Representation – aimed at broadening political space for women, youth, and minority voices.
- 30% Women’s Quota – constitutionally mandating a minimum of 30% women in political nominations at both national and local levels, building on the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
Sesay pledged that all 16 recommendations in the Women’s Manifesto will be incorporated into the constitutional package, paying tribute to Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, for her advocacy.
“This Bill is not partisan, but generational,” Sesay declared, calling it a historic opportunity for democratic renewal.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo welcomed the debate, stressing that constitutional amendments require the support of at least 100 MPs under Section 108(2). He assured that the APC is not opposed to reform but will scrutinize each clause to ensure it serves the national interest. “Our contributions will be guided by the rule of law and democratic principles,” he said.
Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma echoed the call for seriousness and patriotism, emphasizing that the amendments cover governance, representation, women’s empowerment, and electoral systems. “This is not about partisan politics, but about the future of our country,” he noted, urging MPs to conduct clause-by-clause scrutiny.
Lawmakers were urged to debate constructively and act in the best interest of Sierra Leone as the Bill progresses through Parliament. The Government’s stated objective remains “One Country, One People” – building a more inclusive society and stronger foundation for national development.