The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., along with the Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, held a crucial strategic meeting with senior leadership of the Sierra Leone Police on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 at Guma Building in Freetown aimed at strengthening the nation’s response to sexual and drug-related crimes.
The meeting, which brought together key units within the force, focused on refining collaborative mechanisms between the justice sector and law enforcement to ensure faster investigations, timely prosecutions and improved victim protection services.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay Esq. underscored the shared responsibility in tackling these pressing societal issues. “The fight against sexual and drug-related crimes is a collective one. Our commitment to strengthening the justice system is steadfast and we are determined to work hand-in-hand with our partners in law enforcement to ensure swift justice, safeguard victims and bring perpetrators to book,” he stated.
Deputy Minister, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need to center victims in the justice process. “The justice system is not just about legal procedures; it’s about ensuring that every victim is acknowledged, protected and supported. By addressing internal system gaps and fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration, we can significantly reduce delays and secure meaningful justice outcomes,” she noted.
Discussions also focused on strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing investigative techniques and ensuring effective case management in handling sensitive crimes. Both leaders stressed that accountability, efficiency and victim-centered approaches must guide every step of the justice process.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant agencies to implement reforms that will build a safer and more just society for all.
This engagement marks a significant step in the Government’s ongoing efforts to curb the rise in sexual and drug-related offenses across the country and is expected to yield measurable improvements in how such cases are handled moving forward.
In addition, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., delivered compelling remarks at the opening of the three-day Working Group Meeting on the ECOWAS Regional Trafficking in Persons Plus Strategy, held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Atlantic Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Speaking with unwavering conviction, the Attorney General laid bare the urgent and complex nature of human trafficking, calling it a grave transnational crime that demands a unified and coordinated regional response. He emphasized that trafficking in persons is not confined by borders and that no single nation can effectively confront it in isolation. In his words, a shared threat such as that can only be countered through collective commitment and action among ECOWAS member states.
He further urged that Sierra Leone’s national efforts must be firmly aligned with the broader regional strategy to ensure consistency and impact. Stressing the importance of prevention, he advocated for proactive mechanisms that deter trafficking at its roots, while also insisting on the necessity of strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing prosecutorial resolve. These, he noted, form the backbone of a comprehensive approach that targets traffickers and dismantles the networks that enable their crimes.
Equally central to his message was the reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s commitment to a victim-centered approach. Attorney General Alpha Sesay made it clear that the wellbeing of survivors must lie at the heart of every policy and program and that recovery and reintegration must be treated not as afterthoughts but as essential elements of justice. Survivors, he stressed, deserve compassion, support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity and safety.
Reflecting on the ground realities, the Attorney General shared insights from his recent visit to the Gbalamuya border crossing on March 26, 2025. He described engaging in frank discussions with National Revenue Authority Assistant Commissioner John B. Amara on strengthening border control systems and enhancing inter-agency collaboration. That visit, he said, served as a reminder of how vital well-coordinated border management is in disrupting trafficking networks and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
In his closing remarks, he delivered a poignant reminder that behind every statistic is a human life in need of rescue and restoration. He urged all present to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, stressing that each rescued victim represents not just a triumph over crime but the restoration of hope and humanity. His words resonated as a powerful call to action; one that seeks not only to hold perpetrators accountable but also to uphold the dignity of every survivor.
Through his clear-eyed vision and resolute leadership, Attorney General Alpha Sesay reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s deep and unwavering commitment to fighting human trafficking in all its forms. His remarks underscored a collective duty shared by all in the region; to work together, to stand together and to ensure that justice is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality for every victim across West Africa.
