By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
As Sierra Leone once again debates constitutional amendments, many citizens are asking an important question: Are these reforms truly about improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans, or have they become another political battle between the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC)?
A process that should be about strengthening democracy, improving governance, and protecting citizens’ rights has gradually become dominated by political interests. The ruling party argues that the amendments are necessary for national development, while the opposition questions whether they are designed to create political advantage. At the same time, many citizens believe that both major political parties often support constitutional changes when such changes favour their own political ambitions.
This raises a serious concern: Is the Constitution being amended for the people or for politicians?
The Constitution is the supreme law of Sierra Leone. It does not belong to the SLPP, the APC, or any government in power. It belongs to all citizens and should represent their hopes, rights, and aspirations. Constitutional amendments should therefore be guided by national interest rather than political calculations.
One of the most troubling issues about constitutional reform in Sierra Leone is the timing. Many major constitutional discussions appear to gain attention when elections are approaching. This creates suspicion among citizens because reforms introduced close to elections are often viewed as attempts to influence political outcomes rather than genuine efforts to improve governance.
If constitutional reform is truly about strengthening the country, it should not be driven by election timelines. It should be a continuous process based on consultation, dialogue, and the participation of citizens.
While political parties debate issues that may affect their chances of winning power, ordinary Sierra Leoneans continue to face challenges that directly affect their daily lives. Citizens are concerned about unemployment, high living costs, poor healthcare, inadequate education, corruption, weak institutions, and limited economic opportunities.
These issues should form the centre of constitutional reform.
There should also be constitutional provisions to promote youth empowerment, skills development, and job creation. A nation with a large young population cannot achieve sustainable development if its youth remain without opportunities.
Local government should also be strengthened through greater financial and administrative independence. Communities should have more control over their development priorities rather than depending entirely on decisions from central government.
Another important area is accountability and transparency. Institutions such as the Judiciary, Electoral Commission, Auditor-General, and Anti-Corruption Commission should have stronger protection from political interference. The Constitution should also promote transparency in public spending, public borrowing, natural resource management, and major government agreements.
There is also a need for stronger protection of women, young people, and persons with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, leadership, and national development.
Most importantly, constitutional reform must involve the people. Market women, farmers, students, teachers, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, religious groups, and ordinary citizens should have a meaningful voice in shaping the nation’s supreme law.
Therefore, every amendment should answer one important question: Does this make Sierra Leone better for its citizens?
The debate should not be about whether the SLPP gains an advantage or whether the APC benefits politically. The real issue should be whether Sierra Leoneans gain stronger rights, better institutions, improved accountability, and a better future.
The Constitution should not be a tool for political survival. It should be a national agreement that protects the interests of every Sierra Leonean.
Constitutional amendments should serve the people, not politicians.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 3rd August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
