The Government of Sierra Leone has clarified that no policy regulating religious institutions has been adopted, amid growing public debate over a proposed framework aimed at overseeing religious conduct in the country.
The clarification was made during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) weekly press briefing held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
Speaking at the briefing, Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty explained that discussions surrounding the proposed framework are still at the consultation stage and have not yet reached Cabinet for approval.
According to the minister, the initiative is intended to preserve the country’s long-standing culture of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, rather than interfere with freedom of worship.
“The role of government is not to regulate religious beliefs or preaching. Our responsibility is to regulate conduct,” she said.
She noted that the proposed measures are focused on addressing concerns such as hate speech, incitement, and religious extremism that could threaten national unity and public peace.
Karminty further explained that under the proposed arrangement, individuals seeking to establish religious institutions would first need endorsement from recognized religious organizations before the matter is reviewed by the Inter-Religious Council and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
She, however, emphasized that no final decision has been taken and that any draft framework would still require formal government approval before implementation.
The government’s clarification comes amid increasing public discussion and speculation on social media regarding the possibility of state regulation of religious activities in Sierra Leone.
