Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has praised the Legal Aid Board (LAB) for its decade of impactful service in promoting justice and providing legal support to marginalized communities across Sierra Leone. His remarks came during a commemoration of the board’s 10th anniversary held in the House of Parliament.
In his address, Attorney General, Sesay emphasized the vital role of the LAB in strengthening the Rule of Law and safeguarding fundamental human rights. Established in 2015 under the Legal Aid Act, the LAB was created to address a significant justice gap by ensuring access to legal representation for indigent Sierra Leoneans who cannot afford private counsel. Today, it operates as a national body offering free legal services in both criminal and civil matters, serving thousands annually and providing legal advice, community mediation, and public education in underserved areas.
Reflecting on the significance of the legislation that established the LAB, Attorney General Sesay stated, “The Legal Aid Board stands as a shining example of the power of legislative reform. It exemplifies what is possible when the law is used as an instrument for social justice, equity, and inclusion.”
Over the past ten years, the LAB has provided legal representation to over 300,000 individuals, introduced community-based mediation to alleviate court congestion, extended outreach through mobile clinics and rights education, and collaborated with justice institutions to improve detention practices and reduce pre-trial detention.
Attorney General Sesay credited the LAB’s achievements to the leadership and dedication of its team from the Executive Director to legal officers and community paralegals who have consistently demonstrated professionalism and integrity. He noted, “The commitment of the Board’s leadership and staff to upholding justice for the most vulnerable is truly commendable. Their work has brought dignity, hope, and justice to countless Sierra Leoneans.”
The Attorney General reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the LAB’s capacity, announcing planned initiatives such as increased budgetary allocations, infrastructure improvements, expanded recruitment and training of legal professionals, and strengthened collaboration with civil society and international development partners.
“We recognize that the demand for legal aid services continues to grow, especially in light of socio-economic challenges and increasing public awareness of legal rights. We are determined to ensure that the Legal Aid Board has the resources and tools it needs to meet that demand effectively,” he stated.
He also called for enhanced collaboration between the LAB, traditional justice systems, and non-state actors to ensure that justice remains accessible and culturally relevant throughout the country.
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