Freetown, Sierra Leone – January 27, 2026 – In a significant step toward updating the nation’s foundational laws, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, spearheaded the inaugural pre-legislative discussion on the proposed 2026 Constitutional Amendments Bill at Parliament’s Tower Hill chambers yesterday.
Speaking to lawmakers and attendees, Sesay detailed the bill’s foundations, linking it back to the 1999 Lomé Peace Accord Ratification Act and insights from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He stressed that the revisions aim to better reflect the changing priorities and desires of Sierra Leoneans in today’s context.
Sesay provided a timeline of past efforts, highlighting how the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah kickstarted reforms via the Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee, which led to an initial White Paper.
Subsequent administrations built on this, with former President Ernest Bai Koroma establishing the Justice Cowan Committee from 2013 to 2017, followed by its own recommendations. Under President Julius Maada Bio, a 2021 White Paper added further proposals. Sesay emphasized that the current draft primarily stems from the Cowan Committee’s work, enhanced by contributions from the Tripartite Committee.
The Parliament Clerk reaffirmed commitments to transparency, pledging full adherence to procedural standards during the bill’s review.
During the lively exchanges, APC Minority Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo warned that his party would pull out if protocols were violated, underscoring the need for fairness.
In contrast, SLPP Majority Leader Hon. Matthew Nyuma voiced confidence in forging a unified approach, calling for extensive public input to ensure the process benefits all.
Civil society activist Basita Michael hailed the meeting as a promising development, praising Sesay’s willingness to refine the bill. “This session sparks real optimism that our Constitution will serve the entire nation, rather than any one faction,” she commented in a post-event statement.
The gathering wrapped up amid enthusiastic approval for Sesay’s overview, signaling broad support for the initiative as Sierra Leone moves toward potential constitutional updates.
