Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a historic move, Parliament has approved Susan Baby Koker as the Deputy Director General (DG) of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), making her the first woman to hold the position.
Koker, a veteran correctional officer with over a decade of experience, hailed her appointment as a recognition of her dedication to reforming the country’s correctional system.
“I am super excited to be appointed as the first female Deputy Director General of this institution. I see this as recognition of my hard work and perseverance,” Koker stated.
100-Day Plan for Correctional Reform
Immediately after her approval, Koker and the newly appointed Director General presented a 100-day strategic plan to Chief Minister David Sengeh. The initiative includes a nationwide tour to assess prison conditions and prioritize urgent rehabilitation efforts.
“Although we are aware of some challenges, my boss and I have decided to visit every facility to see firsthand what needs to be done,” Koker explained.
She pledged her full commitment to supporting the leadership in transforming the SLCS into a modern and effective institution.
Parliament Applauds Women’s Leadership
During the parliamentary session, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC) commended President Bio for appointing experienced officers from within the system.
“For once, we have the best people—individuals who truly understand the structure and challenges of the correctional service,” Hon. Kamara remarked.
He also highlighted the increasing role of women in leadership.
“Women are no longer standing in the shadows of men. They are leading, making decisions, and contributing significantly to national development,” he emphasized.
Hon. Wuyatta Songa echoed this sentiment, urging Koker to set the stage for more women to rise in leadership within the security sector.
Calls for Urgent Prison Reforms
Hon. Kamara drew attention to the dire state of correctional facilities, particularly the Pademba Road Maximum Security Prison, and urged the new leadership to focus on urgent renovations and improved conditions for inmates and officers.
He also advocated for increased budgetary allocations to enhance rehabilitation programs and vocational training for inmates.
“Correctional centers should not just be holding facilities; they must offer rehabilitation programs that equip inmates with skills to reintegrate into society,” he asserted.
Pademba Road Relocation on the Agen
Addressing the longstanding issue of relocating the Pademba Road Male Correctional Center, Koker revealed that the Office of the Vice President is overseeing the project.
“Our goal is to see Pademba Road relocated before we leave office. This will ensure better security for both inmates and the surrounding community,” she noted.
The relocation discussion gained urgency following the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023, which led to prison breaks at Pademba Road and the Jomo Kenyatta Female Correctional Center.
Calls for Transparency in Inmate Database and Discipline
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, challenged the new SLCS leadership to provide a full database of inmates, particularly those who escaped during the 2023 prison break.
“To this day, we have not received a comprehensive report on the number of prisoners who escaped and those who have been recaptured. Transparency is crucial,” Hon. Kargbo asserted.
He also demanded updates on investigations into correctional officers caught smuggling illicit drugs into prisons.
“When videos of officers smuggling drugs into prisons surfaced online, the public expected swift action. But to date, there has been no report on the outcome of those investigations,” he lamented.
Hon. Kargbo urged the new leadership to enforce strict discipline within the service and implement strong vocational training programs to reduce recidivism.
A Pivotal Moment for Sierra Leone’s Correctional System
With Koker’s historic appointment, Sierra Leone’s correctional service is at a turning point. As the first female Deputy DG, she carries the hopes of many, particularly women aspiring for leadership in the security sector.
Backed by a bold reform agenda and parliamentary support, the next 100 days will be crucial in shaping the future of correctional services in Sierra Leone.
Corrections: Please let the general public be informed that the first female Deputy Director of SLCS( formerly Sierra Leone Prisons) is Madam Cecilia Kai Kai & not Madam Susan Baby Koker as stated in your puplication.Kindly do the needful!