AYV News, September 30, 2025
At the Budget Hearings for the 2026 Fiscal Year held at the Ministry of Finance, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has requested an indicative budget of NLe179, 965,500 for key priorities, including the construction of new Correctional Centres in Kamakwie and Mongo Bendugu.
Commissioner Joseph John Senessie of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service further revealed plans to recruit 1,000 Correctional Officers and complete the administrative building at New England, as well as plans for additional expansion blocks at the Moyamba Correctional Centre.
In addition, he said SLCS intends to build new accommodation facilities for officers, acquire industrial equipment to facilitate mass food production for inmates, and introduce an integrated prison management system to boost efficiency and accountability.
The Commissioner stressed that these initiatives will enhance security, broaden rehabilitation programs, and generate additional revenue for the Government.
Also speaking at the Hearing was Lieutenant-General Amara I. Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), who outlined the Ministry of Defence’s mandate to protect Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity and ensure the RSLAF remain professional, disciplined and combat-ready.
He disclosed plans to recruit and train 1,500 personnel while advancing technological upgrades, including computer communication systems, command modules, drones and ISTAR capabilities, to enhance operational awareness.
The Chief of Defence Staff also emphasised the importance of improving infrastructure, noting ongoing refurbishments of four barracks and other military facilities. He said better accommodations would improve morale and reduce medical costs for personnel, adding that the Ministry of Defence and RSLAF need a budget estimate of NLe412,000 for FY2026.
Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Sierra Leone Police, Allieu Turay presented a proposal that prioritises the recruitment of 1,000 new officers and the modernisation of the Police Garment Factory.
He said the Plans also include the procurement of operational uniforms, as well as upgrades to Police Headquarters and other key facilities nationwide. He presented a budget proposal of NLe576,534.3, with recurrent expenditure projected at NLe364,584.7 and revenue projections of NLe2,943,755 for 2026.
