Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward strengthening intellectual property protection, expanding access to knowledge, and reinforcing international legal cooperation after Parliament unanimously ratified seven key international treaties aimed at protecting creators, performers, and vulnerable groups, including persons with visual impairments.
The landmark ratifications, approved during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting, are expected to modernize the country’s intellectual property framework while aligning Sierra Leone with internationally recognized standards governing copyright, artistic works, broadcasting rights, and cultural exchange.
The treaties ratified include the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (2012), the Marrakech Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled (2013), the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Brussels Convention Relating to the Distribution of Programme-Carrying Signals Transmitted by Satellite (1974), the Madrid Agreement on Indications of Source, the Geneva Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of Their Phonograms (1971), and the Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961).
Presenting the treaties before Parliament, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., described the ratifications as a major milestone in protecting the rights of authors, performers, musicians, broadcasters, and other creators whose works contribute to national development and economic growth.
He explained that the agreements would strengthen legal safeguards for intellectual property, ensure creators receive fair recognition and compensation for their work, and improve Sierra Leone’s compliance with global copyright standards.
Speaking specifically on the Marrakech Treaty, the Attorney General emphasized that the agreement would greatly improve access to books and other published materials for blind and partially sighted persons. He noted that the treaty creates a legal framework allowing authorized institutions to reproduce books in accessible formats such as Braille, large print, and audio, while also permitting the cross-border exchange of such materials.
According to him, these provisions will help address the long-standing shortage of accessible educational resources for visually impaired persons, promote equal opportunities, and advance social inclusion by ensuring that no one is denied access to information because of a disability.
Opening debate on the agreements, Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin of Bo District welcomed the treaties but stressed that their benefits would only be realized if citizens understood their importance. He called on the Government to intensify public education and nationwide awareness campaigns to help Sierra Leoneans appreciate the value and implications of treaties ratified by Parliament.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, also expressed strong support for the ratifications, describing them as timely and necessary for Sierra Leone’s integration into the global intellectual property system.
He said domesticating the treaties would not only strengthen copyright protection but also promote innovation, creativity, and investment in the country’s cultural and entertainment industries.
Hon. Kargbo particularly praised the Marrakech Treaty for promoting equal access to information for visually impaired persons, while noting that the Rome and Geneva Conventions would provide stronger legal protection for musicians, producers, broadcasters, and other stakeholders within the entertainment sector.
He further urged the Government to embark on sustained public sensitization campaigns and engage Members of Parliament more effectively to ensure the treaties are fully understood and successfully implemented across the country.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Acting Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, reminded the House that the Constitution empowers Parliament to ratify international treaties entered into by the State.
He described the Beijing Treaty as an important instrument for protecting audiovisual performers and encouraging cultural development, while praising the Marrakech Treaty for creating opportunities for greater international exchange of accessible educational materials.
Hon. Lamina also expressed concern over the growing challenges of piracy and plagiarism, urging stronger enforcement of copyright laws and increased support for lawmakers to educate their constituents on the significance of the newly ratified agreements.
Following the debate, Parliament overwhelmingly approved all seven treaties.
Responding to issues raised by Members of Parliament, Attorney General Alpha Sesay reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property governance through legislative reforms, institutional capacity building, and public awareness initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of creators and promoting innovation.
The ratification of the seven treaties is widely regarded as a major achievement for Sierra Leone’s legal and creative sectors. It is expected to boost confidence among artists, writers, performers, broadcasters, publishers, and investors while improving access to knowledge for persons with disabilities and enhancing the country’s standing within the international intellectual property community.