By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone is set to commence debate on the Fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill next week, with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, urging Members of Parliament to ensure full attendance for what he described as a critical constitutional process.
Addressing lawmakers during plenary, Speaker Thomas announced that the Bill could be presented before the House at any time next week or shortly thereafter. He emphasized the importance of members being present to actively participate in the debate and contribute to the consideration and eventual passage of the proposed amendment.
The Speaker disclosed that Parliament has received numerous position papers from institutions, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and individual citizens, reflecting significant public interest and participation in the constitutional review process.
Among the organizations that have submitted position papers are the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone, Unity Party, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, National Election Watch (NEW), Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), WASH-Net, Citizens’ Manifesto, Disability Rights Movement, Ada Martin Foundation, Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, Behind the Bars – Rights for Future Africa, National Union of Civil Society Organizations, and Aged Orphanage Home Sierra Leone, among others.
Individual submissions were also received from John S. Benjamin and Karamoh Kabba through a joint submission, as well as Baba Tarawallie, Abdul Aziz Said Kamara, Dr. Julius Ibrahim Kalilu Folley Esq., Thomas Sheku Marah, and Lahai Lawrence Lima Yennie Jr.
Speaker Thomas commended the institutions and individuals who submitted their views through formal channels, rather than relying solely on social media platforms to express their concerns.
“It is the right of every citizen of Sierra Leone to present his or her opinion on an instrument as important as this,” Speaker Thomas stated, assuring contributors that Parliament would carefully review and consider all recommendations before making a final decision on the proposed constitutional amendment.
He further directed the Clerk of Parliament to ensure that copies of the submitted position papers are provided to parliamentary leaders ahead of the debate, while electronic versions would be circulated to all Members of Parliament.
The Speaker stressed that the constitutional amendment process must be driven by meaningful public participation, noting that citizens have an important role to play in shaping laws, especially when constitutional reforms are under consideration.
The upcoming debate is expected to be one of Parliament’s most significant legislative engagements, as lawmakers deliberate on proposals that could have lasting implications for Sierra Leone’s constitutional and democratic framework.