Freetown, 31st March, 2026– Sierra Leone’s correctional system reached a historic milestone on Tuesday as Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commissioned the new state-of-the-art administrative building of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) at the Special Court compound in Freetown.
The landmark facility, the first of its kind in the institution’s history, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from across government and the security sector. For the Vice President, the building represents more than infrastructure; it is a symbol of reform and renewed commitment to discipline, dedication, and development.
“These three values must define every officer,” Dr. Jalloh said in his keynote address. “They are the fundamentals of a stable and effective service. With this new facility, we are equipping SLCS to deliver at international standards.”
He praised the government’s ongoing reforms within the correctional service and assured continued support to strengthen infrastructure, logistics, and welfare. “We will capacitate and equip SLCS to improve performance and productivity, ensuring conformity with global best practices,” he pledged.
Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor echoed the Vice President’s message, reaffirming government’s commitment to improving conditions for correctional officers. Recognizing the risks they face daily, he promised to champion their concerns at the highest level to ensure reforms benefit both officers and inmates.
Director General of SLCS, Joseph John Senessie, expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the new headquarters as “an unmatched milestone in the history of this noble institution.” He noted that for the first time, SLCS has a building that reflects its crucial role in the criminal justice system and national security.
Former Acting Director General, now Chief of Defence Staff, Major General S.D.T. Ngaujah, reflected on his role in initiating the project. “Seeing this building commissioned is a fulfillment of a vision I fought for during my leadership. It is a legacy that will endure for generations,” he said.
The commissioning marks a turning point for SLCS, which has operated for more than a century without a befitting administrative home. With modern infrastructure now in place, officials say the institution is poised for rapid growth and deeper reform.
