Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who also serves as Chairman of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service Council, on Tuesday 31st March 2026 commissioned a newly constructed administrative building for the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) at New England in Freetown, marking what he described as a deeply personal milestone in the country’s security sector reform journey.
Addressing officers, dignitaries and stakeholders, the Vice President reflected on the transformation from an outdated facility that had existed since 1961 to a modern structure designed to support the dignity and efficiency of correctional officers, noting that the project formed part of a broader modernization drive he initiated in 2018 to improve working conditions and restore pride within the institution.
The Vice President also emphasized that the reform agenda would go beyond infrastructure to focus on the welfare and growth of officers, highlighting government efforts to improve salaries, provide uniforms, and expand training and career development opportunities.
Sharing his hands-on leadership approach, he told officers that he took a keen interest in their professional progress, stressing that promotions would now be based on merit, discipline, and training rather than favoritism, stating, “If you want to lead, you must show discipline, dedication, and development.”
He also challenged correctional officers to see themselves as agents of change tasked with transforming lives within the prison system, stressing that a disciplined and professional service was critical to national development, while assuring that government would continue investing in the sector despite economic challenges and calling on officers to match these efforts with commitment and integrity.
Director General of SLCS, Joseph John Senessie, described the commissioning as a historic turning point, noting that it ended decades of operating from an outdated structure and fulfilled a long-held vision of a modern, efficient workspace, while expressing gratitude to Present Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and partners.
While paying tribute to the Chief of General Staff in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Major General Sahr David Tamba Ngaujah, for his vision, he described the new building as a symbol of reform and a foundation for the next phase of growth.
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