One year after assuming office as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq. has positioned himself as one of the most reform-focused figures within Sierra Leone’s governance landscape. His first twelve months have been marked by a determined effort to modernize legal frameworks, strengthen institutional coordination and deepen public participation in justice-sector reforms.
Alpha Sesay’s personal journey reflects the resilience of post-war Sierra Leone. Born in Kono to parents from Kailahun and raised in Kenema after the civil conflict fractured his family, his upbringing mirrors the layered history of the nation he now helps shape. A former pupil of The Bo School, St. Edward’s Secondary School and Fourah Bay College, he carries a reputation for academic discipline and a grounded understanding of Sierra Leone’s social context.
He was called to the Bar in 2004 and later earned an LL.M in International Human Rights from the University of Notre Dame Law School in the United States; an experience that broadened his global perspective and sharpened his approach to rights-based governance.
Before becoming Attorney General, Alpha Sesay served as Deputy Minister of Justice, where he distinguished himself through meticulous policy work and consistent engagement with institutional reforms. His appointment was widely seen as merit-driven, anchored in his strong legal background and years of public service.
His career has been significantly shaped by international justice work, including roles with the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Criminal Court, the ECOWAS Court and the African Commission and Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He also served as a Senior Advocacy Officer at the Open Society Foundations in Washington, DC, and later as Senior Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor at USAID in Sierra Leone.
Alpha Sesay’s influence in the legal community extends beyond Government. He founded the Fourah Bay College Human Rights Clinic and the Sierra Leone Court Monitoring Program; initiatives that have contributed to professionalizing legal advocacy and strengthening court accountability nationwide.
In his first year as Attorney General, Alpha Sesay has prioritized foundational reforms rather than surface-level adjustments. His most consequential achievement is the repeal of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 and the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024. The new law modernizes criminal justice processes, enhances due process protections, reduces lengthy trial delays and aligns Sierra Leone’s procedural standards with international norms.
Legal analysts describe it as the most important justice-sector reform in decades.
Another key intervention is the Tripartite process, designed to clarify institutional mandates and improve cooperation among critical state agencies. Under Alpha Sesay’s leadership, the initiative has reduced bureaucratic conflicts, streamlined responsibilities and strengthened accountability structures.
Perhaps the most transformative undertaking is the ongoing constitutional review process, popularly known as “The People’s Constitution.” Unlike previous elite-led reforms, this process has actively incorporated voices from across the country through consultations, civic festivals and public legal education initiatives. Its goal is to build a constitutional framework that reflects contemporary realities and advances democratic governance.
After one year, Alpha Sesay has established himself as a decisive, reform-oriented Attorney General whose approach prioritizes institutional stability, constitutional fidelity and meaningful public engagement. His tenure so far signals a shift toward a justice system that is more accessible, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of Sierra Leoneans.
