SIERRA LEONE CORRECTIONAL SERVICE ADVANCES REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION THROUGH EDUCATION

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
The Sierra Leone Correctional Service is strengthening its rehabilitation and reintegration programmes through education, vocational training and partnerships with higher learning institutions, aimed at preparing persons in custody to return to society as productive and responsible citizens.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Joseph J. Senessie, made this disclosure at the Government Weekly Press Conference on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre.
Senessie explained that the transformation from the former prison system to a correctional service in 2014 marked a major shift towards an approach focused not only on custody, but also on rehabilitation and reintegration. He said the Service has a responsibility to protect society while providing safe, secure and humane conditions for persons in custody.
He highlighted education as a key component of the rehabilitation process, noting that the Service is seeking to strengthen partnerships with universities and other educational institutions. He specifically mentioned the University of Sierra Leone and the University of Makeni, with discussions aimed at creating opportunities for persons in custody to pursue formal education and acquire skills.
He also stressed the importance of welfare, human rights and humane treatment. He said the Service remains committed to protecting the fundamental rights of persons in custody while maintaining safe conditions for both inmates and correctional officers.
He added that engagements with human rights organisations, prison monitoring groups and advocates are helping to improve transparency, accountability and oversight.
He further identified access to justice and overcrowding as areas requiring continued attention. He said the Service is exploring modern technology, including electronic information management systems and the potential use of artificial intelligence, to improve record keeping, make information more accessible and strengthen the overall management of correctional facilities.