By Millicent Senava Mannah
Sierra Leone is preparing for one of the most significant legal transformations in decades as the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), 2024 comes into effect on September 16, 2025. The legislation, which replaces the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, promises to overhaul the country’s criminal justice system, making it faster, fairer, and more rights-based.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., the youngest in Sierra Leone’s history, on his widely followed Facebook page. He described the reforms as a bold step toward “a justice system that is efficient, transparent, and accountable, one that does not criminalize poverty and status.”
For sixty years, the 1965 Act shaped criminal justice in Sierra Leone. But it also carried within it the weight of colonial-era procedures that often prolonged trials, denied bail unnecessarily, and contributed to prison overcrowding. Preliminary Investigations, for example, forced witnesses to present the same evidence twice, delaying trials and clogging already burdened court dockets. Section 79(3) of the old law gave courts sweeping discretion to deny bail even for minor offences, fueling pre-trial detention and swelling correctional centers with remand prisoners.
The new Act addresses these concerns head-on. It abolishes the two-stage Preliminary Investigation system, replacing it with streamlined committal proceedings. Magistrates will now have 28 days to determine whether or not to commit a case to trial, reducing unnecessary delays.
One of the most transformative aspects of the CPA 2024 is its recognition of the rights of both the accused and victims. Bail guidelines are now clearer, helping to prevent arbitrary detention. For the first time, victims will enjoy procedural rights to information, participation, and protection from intimidation and secondary trauma, a crucial safeguard in cases involving sexual offences.
The law also expands access to justice by guaranteeing state-funded legal representation for indigent accused persons, operationalizing constitutional rights and fulfilling obligations under the Legal Aid Act of 2012. In addition, courts are encouraged to consider non-custodial sentences where appropriate, a move designed to reduce the country’s dependence on imprisonment and alleviate pressure on correctional facilities.
Another innovation lies in the law’s embrace of technology. Electronic evidence, remote hearings, and digital case management are all now formally recognized. These provisions bring Sierra Leone’s justice system closer to international best practices, enhancing transparency and efficiency in court processes.
Legal analysts say the reforms align with Sierra Leone’s obligations under international human rights law, particularly Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. By enshrining fair trial guarantees and setting statutory limits on investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications, the Act strengthens compliance with international standards while signaling the country’s commitment to the rule of law.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, a vocal advocate of judicial reform, has consistently pushed for a justice system that prioritizes speed and fairness. Observers believe this new law marks an important step toward realizing that vision.
Beyond its immediate effects on prisons and courtrooms, the CPA 2024 carries wider significance. A justice system that is credible and transparent not only enhances public trust but also sends a strong message to the international community. Investors and development partners, analysts argue, are more likely to engage with a country that demonstrates respect for good governance, rule of law, and human rights.
With the implementation of the new Act, Sierra Leone signals its readiness to move beyond outdated colonial structures and embrace a modern, people-centered legal framework. The reforms are expected to reduce the backlog of cases, ease congestion in correctional facilities, and ensure both victims and accused persons are treated with dignity.
As the commencement date approaches, the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 is widely viewed as more than just legislative reform. It represents a historic commitment to justice and national development, an effort to craft a legal system that reflects Sierra Leone’s aspirations rather than its colonial past.
The coming weeks will reveal how smoothly the transition unfolds, but for many, the message is clear: Sierra Leone has taken a bold leap toward a fairer and more sustainable justice system
