By Thaimu T. Kamara
Minister Chernor Bah on Tuesday welcomed media personnel, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders to a press conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, where senior government officials addressed a wide range of national policy issues, including marine resource management, constitutional reforms, youth inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
The press engagement brought together officials from key ministries and advocacy groups, providing a platform for government representatives and civil society leaders to outline ongoing reforms and policy directions aimed at strengthening governance and promoting inclusive national development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, outlined major reforms being implemented within the fisheries sector, emphasizing government’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management. She disclosed that the government has increased the number of licensed fishing vessels operating in Sierra Leone, a move she said has already contributed to improved revenue collection within the sector.
According to the Minister, the financial benefits of these reforms are expected to become fully evident this year as regulatory enforcement continues to improve. She explained that the reforms are part of broader efforts to ensure that the country derives maximum economic benefit from its marine resources while maintaining ecological balance.
Princess Dugba stressed the importance of a temporary sea closure as a critical conservation measure designed to allow fish stocks to regenerate. She announced that the sea will be closed from 1st to 29th February 2026, describing the decision as essential to restoring fish populations and improving fish availability in both the ocean and inland rivers.
The Minister stated that the closure would be strictly enforced, with the active involvement of all relevant enforcement agencies. She said Chiefdom Speakers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders will work alongside security and regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance throughout the period.
She further reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of fishing communities during the closure. According to her, rice and other forms of support will be provided to affected fishermen to help cushion the economic impact of the temporary restriction. Princess Dugba noted that these measures demonstrate government’s determination to improve marine resources nationwide while safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on the sector.
Also addressing the press conference was Mariame Jalloh, National Director of the Young Women in Governance Network, who spoke passionately on issues of gender equality, political participation, and social justice. She emphasized that women must be given equal opportunities to participate meaningfully in politics and governance at all levels of decision-making.
Ms. Jalloh called for equal pay for women, noting that gender-based wage disparities continue to undermine women’s economic empowerment. She also advocated for increased support and empowerment of female students in universities and tertiary institutions, stressing the need to create an enabling environment that allows young women to excel academically and professionally.
In addition, she called for reforms within the justice sector, particularly the deployment of more judges to district courts, to reduce delays in the delivery of judgments and improve access to justice. She further proposed 30 percent youth representation in job creation initiatives, describing it as a necessary improvement within government ministries to address youth unemployment and ensure greater inclusion of young people in national development processes.
Providing a detailed overview of Sierra Leone’s constitutional reform agenda, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., traced the country’s constitutional journey and explained why comprehensive reform is now required. He stated that the 1991 Constitution, which came into force following the country’s 11-year civil war, no longer adequately reflects the current democratic aspirations and governance needs of the nation.
Mr. Sesay noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established after the war, recommended the development of a constitution that genuinely reflects the will of the people. He described the existing constitution as “broken,” emphasizing that urgent and deliberate efforts are required to fix structural weaknesses within the governance framework.
The Attorney General referenced the 2021 White Paper, which mandates the government to amend the 1991 Constitution through broad-based consultations involving Parliament, constitutional bodies, and other national institutions. He highlighted education and health as key areas proposed for constitutional recognition, stressing in particular the importance of making health a constitutional right for all Sierra Leoneans.
Mr. Sesay further explained that the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, which include more than 80 proposals, form a central component of the ongoing constitutional review process. These proposals, he said, cover issues such as national unity, proportional representation, and constitutional safeguards to ensure that the removal of a Vice President must follow established parliamentary and constitutional procedures.
The press conference concluded with an interactive discussion on the constitutional review process and the implementation of the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations. Stakeholders present reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening democratic governance and building a more inclusive, accountable, and people-centered governance framework for Sierra Leone.