By Adama Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has charged three people under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, in what is believed to be the first prosecution under the landmark legislation.
The accused, Sayo Marrah Lansana Qura, Saliei Kamara and Abubakarr Kamara, face charges of contracting a marriage with a child, consenting to child marriage, and aiding and abetting child marriage, contrary to Sections 2, 3 and 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
According to the Attorney General, Sayo Marrah is alleged to have contracted a marriage with a child. Saliei Kamara, identified as the child’s father, is accused of consenting to the marriage and participating in the marriage ceremony, while Abubakarr Kamara has been charged with aiding and abetting the alleged child marriage.
The Attorney General described the case as the first prosecution for offences under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, marking a significant step in the enforcement of Sierra Leone’s efforts to eliminate child marriage and protect children’s rights.
Authorities did not immediately disclose when the accused would appear in court or whether they had entered pleas to the charges.
