By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has described the newly presented draft amendment bill as a comprehensive, balanced, and well-structured framework designed to advance legal and institutional reforms in Sierra Leone.
Speaking during an interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone, Sesay explained that the draft bill represents a deliberate effort by the government to consolidate long-standing reform proposals into a single, coherent legislative instrument. According to him, the bill draws extensively from two key reform documents: the 2013 Cowan Report and the more recent Trapatite Report.
“The draft amendment bill effectively combines the recommendations from the 2013 Cowan Report and the current Trapatite Report, creating a cohesive and comprehensive proposal,” Sesay stated. “Since both sets of recommendations complement each other, the bill is well-structured and balanced, making it a robust foundation for further national discussion and legislative action.”
The Attorney General noted that the Cowan Report laid the groundwork for constitutional and legal reforms more than a decade ago, while the Trapatite Report reflects present-day realities, governance challenges, and evolving democratic expectations. By aligning the two, he said, the government has ensured that the draft bill addresses both historical gaps and contemporary legal demands.
Sesay emphasized that the integrated approach strengthens governance, promotes accountability, and supports the development of a more efficient and responsive justice system. He argued that fragmented or selective reforms often weaken legal frameworks, but a consolidated approach provides clarity, consistency, and long-term stability.
Legal observers and analysts have welcomed the development, noting that the merging of past and present expert recommendations reduces duplication and policy contradictions. They argue that a unified reform bill offers a clearer pathway for institutional reform, enhances regulatory effectiveness, and improves transparency across the justice and governance sectors.
The Attorney General was quick to stress that the draft amendment bill is not a final document. He explained that it has been deliberately opened for further consultations to allow broad-based participation in the reform process. Stakeholders including legal practitioners, civil society organizations, political actors, and ordinary citizens are expected to review the document and provide input before it is formally tabled in Parliament.
“This process is inclusive by design,” Sesay said, adding that meaningful reforms can only be achieved when citizens are actively engaged and their perspectives reflected in national laws.
He further noted that the draft amendment bill forms part of the government’s wider agenda to modernize outdated legislation, close systemic loopholes, and strengthen the rule of law. According to him, a strong legal framework is essential for democratic consolidation, investor confidence, and social justice. Sesay encouraged the public to remain engaged, follow developments through official government channels, and contribute constructively to the ongoing reform discussions. He reiterated that the ultimate goal of the amendment bill is to build a more accountable, transparent, and resilient legal system that responds to the needs and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans
