Gov’t Calls for Open-Minded Debate on Proposed Constitutional Amendments

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, has called on citizens to approach discussions surrounding the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill with an open mind and a focus on the national interest.

Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie A.A. Bawoh, made the call on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during the Ministry’s Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Civic Centre, where the proposed constitutional reforms and their implications were discussed.

Bawoh said constitutional matters should not be viewed solely through political or partisan lenses, stressing that the Constitution belongs to all Sierra Leoneans and should therefore be considered in the context of the country’s long-term interests.

He noted that Sierra Leone’s political and constitutional system has evolved over the years alongside the country’s democratic development. He therefore urged citizens to understand the historical context of the Constitution before drawing conclusions or making comparisons with other systems.

According to the Deputy Minister, constitutional provisions should not be designed or amended to permanently favour a particular political party or group.

“The Constitution belongs to the people,” Bawoh emphasised, adding that laws and institutions must be strong enough to serve the country regardless of which political party is in power.

He further explained that proposed constitutional amendments must follow the legal and parliamentary procedures prescribed by law. He stressed that proposed changes cannot automatically become part of the Constitution without undergoing the required institutional review, debate and approval processes.

Bawoh also highlighted the role of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in safeguarding constitutional governance. He said disagreements over constitutional provisions or their interpretation should be addressed through the appropriate legal and constitutional institutions.

The Deputy Minister urged citizens to respect the rule of law and the independence of constitutional institutions, describing both as essential to maintaining public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic system.

He also cautioned against speculation and misinformation surrounding the proposed amendments, encouraging citizens to obtain accurate information about the contents of the Bill and understand how the proposed changes could affect governance and citizens’ rights.

Bawoh acknowledged that political parties and members of the public may hold differing views on the proposed reforms, but said such differences should be expressed through constructive debate and established democratic processes.

He maintained that any constitutional reform should ultimately strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and serve the broader national interest rather than advance narrow political objectives.

The Weekly Press Conference provided a platform for the Ministry to encourage greater public understanding and participation in the constitutional reform process.

Bawoh called on Sierra Leoneans to remain engaged, ask questions and rely on credible sources of information as discussions continue over the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill and its potential impact on the country’s democratic future.