The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., on Tuesday June 17, 2025 led a dynamic and inclusive dialogue on criminal justice reforms and national development at the Kenema City Hall, as part of the ongoing Presidential Town Hall Series themed: “Bringing Governance Closer: Dialogue and Delivery.”
Addressing a packed audience, Attorney General, Alpha Sesay, shared critical updates on the implementation of the landmark Criminal Procedure Act 2024, set to come into force in September 2025. He described the legislation as a transformative step aimed at modernizing the country’s criminal justice system. The revised Act emphasizes reducing custodial sentences for minor and non-violent offenses, promoting rehabilitation and introducing alternative sentencing measures.
“This reform is a significant shift from punitive justice to restorative justice. It’s about making the system fairer, faster and more humane,” Alpha Sesay said.
The Attorney General also spoke about the ongoing constitutional review process, reiterating the Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the protection of civil liberties. He encouraged residents of Kenema and the wider public to take an active role in the process, emphasizing that public participation is vital to drafting a constitution that reflects the collective aspirations of Sierra Leoneans.
During an interactive Q&A session, residents raised concerns about prison overcrowding and the lack of support for former inmates. In response, Alpha Sesay acknowledged the longstanding challenges within the correctional system but assured the public that strategic efforts are underway to tackle them.
He highlighted several Government initiatives, including:
- Revised sentencing guidelines under the Criminal Procedure Act;
- The promotion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and non-custodial sentencing;
- And a notable collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through the Feed Salone initiative, which engages inmates in agricultural training and food production.
“These programs are not just about reducing overcrowding,” he emphasized. “They are about restoring dignity, offering second chances and equipping inmates with the tools to reintegrate into society. That’s how we break the cycle of reoffending and build safer communities.”
The town hall concluded with expressions of appreciation from local stakeholders and community members, many of whom commended the Ministry of Justice for its openness and proactive approach to reform. They also called for an expedited rollout of the initiatives discussed.
The Presidential Town Hall Series continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering transparency, civic engagement and accountability in governance, bringing policy discussions directly to the people and ensuring that citizens remain at the heart of national development efforts.
