The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has outlined far-reaching constitutional reforms aimed at promoting gender equality, inclusive governance and economic transformation in Sierra Leone.
Delivering a keynote address on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during an engagement on women’s representation and constitutional rights at the House of Parliament, Tower Hill in Freetown, the Attorney General said the proposed Constitutional Amendment Act 2025 represents a major turning point in the country’s democratic and development journey.
Speaking under the theme, “Examining Gender Provisions in the Proposed Sierra Leone Amendment Act 2025,” Alpha Sesay described the proposed constitutional reforms as a transition from a “constitution of survival” to a “constitution of prosperity.”
He explained that although the 1991 Constitution successfully restored multiparty democracy and national stability after years of conflict, the country now requires a modernized constitutional framework capable of addressing present-day governance challenges and development aspirations.
According to the Attorney General, one of the central objectives of the proposed reforms is to increase women’s participation in political and economic decision-making processes.
He emphasized that women’s representation should not merely be viewed as an issue of fairness, but as a strategic necessity for effective governance, accountability and sustainable national development.
As part of the proposed changes, he announced plans for a minimum 30 percent quota for women in political party nominations and governance structures. He also highlighted proposals for the introduction of a Proportional Representation electoral system aimed at broadening inclusion and reducing barriers created by winner-takes-all politics.
“Electoral reform is fundamentally gender reform,” he stated.
The Attorney General further disclosed that the proposed constitutional amendments seek to establish equal citizenship rights by granting mothers the same constitutional authority as fathers to confer citizenship to their children and spouses.
He described the move as a landmark step toward strengthening gender equality and reforming national identity laws.
In addition, the proposed amendments seek to strengthen anti-discrimination provisions through more inclusive constitutional language designed to protect vulnerable groups and promote equality before the law.
Touching on justice sector reforms, Alpha Sesay revealed plans to constitutionally recognize alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in order to improve access to justice, especially for small businesses and local communities.
He noted that a proposed Mediation Bill would help reduce pressure on the formal court system by encouraging faster, less expensive and more accessible methods of resolving disputes.
The proposed reforms also include restorative justice measures such as community service and the decriminalization of minor offences as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s justice system.
The Attorney General further disclosed that the proposed Constitution seeks to elevate critical social services into enforceable rights, including free, compulsory and quality primary and secondary education, as well as access to healthcare.
He said these reforms are intended to strengthen human development and create long-term economic growth opportunities, particularly for women and girls.
Meanwhile, President of the Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus (SLeFPaC), Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, described the constitutional review process as a “nation-building responsibility” focused on promoting equality, dignity and inclusion.
She highlighted major legislative achievements including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, noting that these laws have significantly improved the rights and protection of women and girls in Sierra Leone.
Hon. Songa called for the gains achieved through these laws to be firmly entrenched in the Constitution and urged continued public participation in the constitutional review process to ensure broad national ownership and support for the proposed reforms.
