Sierra Leone appoints new attorney-general as president pledges support for justice sector

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Sierra Leone's new Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay, Esq., at State House in Freetown on December 16, 2024. During the event, President Bio reiterated his administration's commitment to advancing the justice sector in the country.

The ceremony began with a declaration by Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Secretary to the President, who referenced Section 64 of the 1991 Constitution that establishes the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Dr. Gaima noted that according to constitutional provisions and conventional practice, the ceremony was conducted under the President's auspices to formally administer the oath of office.

Mr. Alpha Sesay expressed gratitude to President Bio for entrusting him with this significant role. Reflecting on his legal career across various districts in Sierra Leone and his advocacy for human rights, Mr. Sesay pledged to further the President’s vision of a people-centered justice system. He committed to ensuring accessible and effective justice delivery for all citizens.

President Bio congratulated Mr. Sesay on his appointment and thanked the outgoing Attorney-General for his service. Acknowledging the challenges associated with this role, he encouraged Mr. Sesay to draw from the expertise within Sierra Leone's legal fraternity to fulfill his duties effectively.

The President reminded Mr. Sesay of his responsibility to provide sound legal advice to the government and emphasized timely justice delivery by stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He highlighted maintaining judicial independence while ensuring national stability, economic growth, and peace.

“As citizens, we rely on you not to carry arms but to uphold principles of law,” said President Bio, assuring respect for justice sector independence: “Those orders from above are not coming from my office.”

President Bio concluded by reaffirming his government's dedication to strengthening Sierra Leone’s justice system for all its people.