Government Clarifies No Religious Policy Adopted Amid Public Speculation

The Government of Sierra Leone has clarified that no policy regulating religious institutions has been adopted, following growing public discussion and speculation over a proposed framework on religious governance.

The clarification was made on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, during a Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) press conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown. Officials stressed that the process remains at the consultation stage and no final decision has been taken.

Speaking at the briefing, the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, said the ongoing discussions are aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

She emphasized that the government has no intention of regulating religious beliefs or worship, but is instead focused on addressing conduct that could threaten public peace and national unity.

According to her, “The role of government is not to regulate religious beliefs or preaching. Our responsibility is to regulate conduct,” adding that issues such as hate speech and religious extremism fall within the areas under consideration.

Minister Karminty further explained that under the proposed framework, individuals seeking to establish religious institutions would first require endorsement from recognised religious bodies before undergoing further review by the Inter-Religious Council and the Ministry of Social Welfare.

She also confirmed that the proposal has not yet been approved by Cabinet, stressing that it remains a draft under consultation and will only proceed after formal government approval.

The government urged the public to rely on verified official communication and avoid misinformation as discussions on the framework continue.