Renowned academic and civic voice Prof Alhaji U Njai has called for a complete overhaul of Sierra Leone’s constitution, arguing that amending a document inherited from colonial rule does not reflect the values, realities, and aspirations of the country’s people.
In a public commentary, Prof Njai said the current constitution was not created by Sierra Leoneans and was not grounded in the country’s cultural and social values. He argued that instead of making adjustments to what he described as a relic, the country should pursue a fresh, people-centred constitutional process that reflects national identity and shared aspirations.
Prof Njai stressed that any new constitution must represent the voices of Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life. He referenced farmers in Koinadugu and Kailahun, fishermen in Kambia and Bonthe, market women, young people, and citizens of all backgrounds as groups whose views should shape the country’s supreme law.
He further argued that the constitution-making process should not be controlled by a sitting government, political parties, or elite groups. According to him, political parties are associations of citizens given temporary mandates to govern and should not define the long-term values and direction of the country.
Prof Njai noted that governments change over time, but the country remains. He warned that excessive loyalty to political parties or governments of the day can lead to betrayal of national interest, stressing that loyalty should always fall within legal and ethical frameworks that protect the country as a whole.
He also said national documents such as the constitution should promote self-determination, dignity, and sovereignty, rather than serve as tools for winning elections or capturing state power. He warned that when constitutions are used for political advantage, they can deepen inequality and unfair access to national resources.
According to Prof Njai, a decolonised and people-driven approach to constitution-making would help align national laws with Sierra Leone’s culture, values, and collective consciousness. He said such a process would strengthen national unity and ensure that the constitution truly belongs to the people.
Debate around constitutional reform has continued to grow in Sierra Leone, with civil society groups, legal experts, and citizens increasingly calling for inclusive consultation and transparency. Observers say broad participation will be critical to building public trust in any future constitutional reform process.
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