The Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, urged the people of Port Loko and all Sierra Leoneans to actively engage in and take ownership of the ongoing constitutional review process. Speaking at the Port Loko Civic Day Series, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Attorney General engaged citizens in a lively discussion on the importance and significance of reviewing the 1991 Constitution.
In his remarks, Mr. Sesay emphasized that the constitutional review is not merely a legal or political process but a historic national undertaking that must be driven by the people it is meant to serve. He encouraged the audience to add their voices, perspectives, and aspirations to the process to ensure that the revised Constitution reflects the values, needs, and vision of every Sierra Leonean.
The Attorney General highlighted that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has given firm instructions for the constitutional review process to be completed within his current term. He noted that this review has spanned multiple administrations—starting under former President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, continuing under President Ernest Bai Koroma, and now being carried forward by President Bio. “This constitutional relay,” he stated, “must end with this government.”
Mr. Sesay further explained the origins and rationale behind the review process. He noted that recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Justice Cowan-led Constitutional Review Commission, and more recently, the Tripartite Committee, have all played key roles in shaping the current efforts to revise the Constitution. These contributions, he said, represent a broad spectrum of national reflection, legal expertise, and civic participation.
He assured the audience that the government is committed to delivering a revised Constitution that is inclusive, rights-based, and responsive to the needs of the people. This new Constitution, he emphasized, would guarantee the dignity, freedom, and well-being of every Sierra Leonean.
In his closing remarks, Attorney General Alpha Sesay delivered a powerful message to those present: “If you want to refer to the Constitution as a new Constitution, it has to come from you the people.”