By: Zacharia Jalloh
Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Sierra Leone’s justice system has entered a new chapter with the official commencement of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024. The landmark legislation, which came into effect on Monday, September 16, 2025, is set to fundamentally govern the conduct of all criminal proceedings across the nation.
The announcement was made by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., at the Civic Day Series in Makeni organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, who highlighted the Act’s immediate practical application. In a significant development, he revealed that five individuals allegedly connected to the tragic killing of Reverend Father Amadu in Kenema, have been arrested and formally charged. These suspects will be among the first to be prosecuted under the new legal framework, marking a poignant and swift test of the updated procedures.
“This new law provides a modern, robust framework for the conduct of criminal cases, ensuring greater efficiency, fairness, and clarity in our courts,” stated Attorney General Sesay.
Speaking on the Constitutional Review Process, Attorney General Alpha Sesay detailed the painstaking efforts of the past two decades, acknowledging the work of previous administrations. He noted that the governments of former Presidents Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and Ernest Bai Koroma had advanced this critical mission through the Peter Tucker and Justice Cowan Commissions, which facilitated thousands of public engagements across the country to gather citizen’s input.
“This has been a national project, not one of a single government,” Sesay emphasized. “The process of reviewing our 1991 constitution to align it with the aspirations and needs of a new generation has been a continuous national priority.”
The Attorney General confirmed that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is committed to seeing this extensive process through to its conclusion. The President has pledged to complete the comprehensive review of the 1991 Constitution, fulfilling a promise that resonates with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the desires of many Sierra Leoneans for a more contemporary and reflective supreme law.
One of the most important provisions disclosed by the AG, is that, the Free Quality Education Program will be incorporated into the new constitution to guarantee FQE for every Sierra Leonean. A move that demonstrates His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to build and strengthen the human capital development of the nation.