Freetown – Authorities in Sierra Leone have charged four individuals with multiple offences under the country’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, in what officials are calling the first major test of the landmark legislation since it took effect.
The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice announced the prosecutions on Friday, accusing Sayo Marrah, Lansana Qura, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara of violating the law.
According to the indictment, Sayo Marrah is alleged to have contracted a marriage with a minor, directly breaching Section 2 of the Act.
The child’s father, Salieu Kamara, faces charges for consenting to the marriage and actively participating in the ceremony, in violation of Section 3. Lansana Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara are accused of aiding and abetting the union under Section 10 by helping to organize and facilitate the event.
The case marks the first prosecution since the Act was enacted last year to outlaw all forms of child marriage and bring Sierra Leone in line with international child protection standards. Rights groups have long highlighted child marriage as a persistent problem in the country, where it often disrupts girls’ education, endangers their health, and limits their economic prospects.
Legal experts and civil society organizations welcomed the development, describing it as a critical step toward enforcing the new law and deterring future violations.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that child marriage will no longer be tolerated,” said one women’s rights advocate monitoring the case. “It demonstrates that the government is serious about protecting vulnerable children and upholding the rule of law.”
The charges come amid broader regional and international efforts to end the practice, which has drawn concern from global partners and human rights bodies. The case is now before the courts and is expected to set an important precedent for how effectively the 2024 Act can be implemented.
Observers say the outcome could influence future enforcement actions and bolster confidence in the country’s commitment to safeguarding minors.
