Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Centre
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction
This week’s Press Conference, hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah provided updates on reforms within the Sierra Leone Correctional Service and the National Fire Force, with emphasis on rehabilitation, skills development, emergency response, fire prevention, infrastructure, equipment and improved public service delivery.
Minister Chernor Bah announces cabinet conclusions
The Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah continued government effort in bringing governance closer to the people. As usual, he announced recent approved cabinet conclusions to the public to enhance accountability and transparency. As part of the conclusions, he revealed that Cabinet has approved a $10million concessional loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. Cabinet has instructed the Minister of Finance to take the loan agreement to Parliament for ratification.
Correctional Service Explores University Education for Persons in Custody
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service Mr. Joseph J. Senessie highlighted the growing importance of education within correctional facilities, noting that the Service is interested in strengthening collaboration with universities and other educational institutions to create meaningful learning opportunities for persons in custody.
He specifically mentioned the University of Sierra Leone and the University of Makeni, with discussions focusing on how partnerships with these institutions could provide opportunities for eligible persons in custody to pursue formal education and obtain recognised academic qualifications while serving their sentences.
He emphasized that individuals who spend many years in custody should not be deprived of opportunities to learn, develop their abilities and acquire qualifications that could improve their prospects after release. The Service is therefore exploring ways to make education a more structured and meaningful component of rehabilitation, including programmes that could lead to recognised certificates.
According to him, the Service wants persons in custody to leave correctional facilities with practical skills that can help them establish livelihoods and become self-reliant. He noted that vocational training can equip individuals to earn an income, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.
Human Rights and Welfare Remain Central to Correctional Reform
Mr. Senessie reaffirmed the Correctional Service’s commitment to the welfare, human rights and humane treatment of persons in custody.
He said the Service remains committed to respecting the fundamental rights of persons in custody while maintaining safe and secure conditions for both inmates and correctional officers. He also highlighted engagement with human rights organisations, prison monitoring groups and advocates as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and oversight within correctional facilities.
Correctional Service Explores Technology to Improve Justice and Records Management
The Director General identified improved access to justice and addressing overcrowding as other important areas of reform. He highlighted the importance of electronic information management and the potential application of artificial intelligence and other digital tools to improve the management and accessibility of correctional records. He disclosed that the Service is working towards modern systems that will make important information more accessible and organised, with a consultant expected to be engaged to support the development and improvement of these systems.
National Fire Force Announces Recruitment of 200 New Firefighters
The Public Relations Officer and Legal Officer of the National Fire Force, Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq., outlined major reforms aimed at improving the Force’s operational capacity and emergency response across the country. She disclosed that Government plans to recruit 200 new firefighters to address personnel shortages and strengthen the Force’s ability to respond to emergencies. She said the recruitment process is expected to progress in the coming months, with successful recruits expected to undergo training before officially joining the Force.
Government Procures New Fire Engines and Expands Fire Infrastructure
Madam Kamara revealed that Government has procured four brand-new multipurpose fire engines, with two already arrived and the remaining two anticipated before the end of the year.
She further disclosed that the National Fire Force has received two donated fire engines and related equipment from Spain, which will further strengthen its operational capacity.
In addition to equipment, she said new fire stations have been constructed in Magburaka, Mattru Jong, Pujehun and Kabala. The stations are expected to be commissioned and fully operationalised following the deployment of personnel and equipment, improving emergency response beyond the capital.
Fire Force Moves to Improve Water Access Through Hydrants
Madam Kamara highlighted efforts to improve access to water during firefighting operations through the rehabilitation and expansion of fire hydrants. She noted that only a limited number of hydrants are currently operational in Freetown, making access to water a major challenge during firefighting operations. The Force is therefore working to improve hydrant availability, while the expansion of fire stations and acquisition of new equipment are expected to further strengthen emergency response.
Madam Kamara announces fire force emergency toll free numbers: 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312 on all networks.
Independent Police Complaint Board:
Representing the Chairman of the Independent Police Complaint Board Saa Kpulun, the Executive Secretary Rashid Kabba disclosed that the Independent Police Complaint Board (IPCB) is pursuing its transformation into a fully-fledged Independent Policing Oversight Commission to strengthen police accountability and public confidence. He explained that the Board operates independently under a legal framework derived from Section 158 of the 1991 Constitution and has both investigative and oversight mandates, including investigating deaths in police custody, fatal accidents involving police action and serious matters involving senior police officers. He distinguished the IPCB from the Police’s internal Complaint, Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID), noting that while both institutions may collaborate on minor disciplinary matters, the IPCB serves as an external and independent avenue for public complaints. He further highlighted the Board’s advisory role in promoting professional policing, restraint in the use of force, respect for due process and citizens’ rights during police encounters.
IPCB Reforms and Complaints
Kabba disclosed that the Board’s existing regulations have remained largely unchanged for years, prompting a review aimed at expanding its powers and mandate. He said the IPCB has studied oversight models in Kenya, Liberia and South Africa and undertaken consultations with police institutions and senior leadership to inform proposals for its transformation. The proposal has been forwarded to the Minister of Internal Affairs and subsequently considered by Cabinet, which approved a Management and Functional Review to guide the transformation process. In its current casework, Kabba revealed that the IPCB has received 91 complaints from members of the public since January 2026, including a case linked to a police shooting incident in Kailahun, over 60 of those cases have been handled accordingly.
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