Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has called for stronger judicial cooperation across West Africa, saying it is key to promoting justice, human rights, and economic growth in the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Judicial Council Statutory Meeting in Freetown, Sesay said the gathering comes at an important time for Sierra Leone’s legal system. He told delegates the country is going through major legal reforms aimed at improving access to justice.
He highlighted key changes under President Julius Maada Bio, including the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024, the abolition of the death penalty, new gender laws, the ban on child marriage, and ongoing constitutional review efforts. He said these reforms show a clear move toward fair and equal justice for all citizens.
Despite these gains, Sesay warned that no country can handle justice issues alone, especially with rising cross-border crimes and security challenges in the region.
He described the ECOWAS Judicial Council as important in protecting the rule of law and strengthening the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. He said the Council helps build public trust in regional justice systems.
The Attorney General added that stronger cooperation between countries will help create a stable legal environment, attract investment, and improve enforcement of court decisions across borders.
He also called for better alignment between national and regional laws, greater use of technology to improve access to justice, and stronger protection of judicial independence.
Sesay ended by reminding delegates that their decisions will impact more than 400 million people across the ECOWAS region, stressing the importance of their role in shaping the future of justice in West Africa.
