The Inspector General of Police, Mr William Fayia Sellu, attended the ceremonial presentation of the draft Police Reform Bill to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor Esq., on Tuesday, 5 June 2025. The event took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where the Chairman of the Commission formally handed over the document.
During the ceremony, Minister Morie Lengor expressed his pride in the collaborative effort behind the draft bill. “Yada Williams’s inspiration is to leave a legacy in the legal field,” he remarked. “I am pleased with this masterpiece, as I was part of the process and am familiar with most of the issues it addresses. I am committed to ensuring this bill becomes law.”
The review of the Police Act, originally enacted in 1964, commenced in 2014 but has gained renewed momentum amid the ongoing transition of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). Minister Lengor emphasised the importance of public trust in this process, stating, “Completing this review at this time is crucial for strengthening confidence in our law enforcement institutions.”
Inspector General of Police Mr William Fayia Sellu praised the efforts of the sub-committee responsible for the draft bill. “I commend the team for this significant achievement,” he said. “I have a strong passion for reform, and I am confident that Minister Lengor will see to it that the draft becomes law. The quality of the draft, developed by a team of experts, reflects the dedication and knowledge invested in this process.”
Sellu also lauded the leadership of Yada Williams, Chairman of the Law Reforms Commission. “History will remember the police reform efforts; I commend Yada Williams and his team for their outstanding work,” he stated.
Yada Williams expressed gratitude to the stakeholders involved in the process. “We travelled across the country to gather views and opinions to ensure the draft reflects the needs and aspirations of the people,” he said. “While the journey began in 2014, the support from the IG, UNDP, the Law Reforms Commission, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been instrumental. This collective effort has produced a comprehensive document that will equip our police with modern tools for investigations and service delivery.”
The event concluded with the official handover of the draft Police Bill of 2025, symbolising a significant step towards modernising Sierra Leone’s law enforcement framework. Both officials expressed optimism that the bill will soon be enacted into law, leaving a lasting legacy for the country’s policing reforms.
