Sierra Leone's Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, has pledged to pay the fines for 47 inmates at Pujehun Correctional Center after witnessing the severe overcrowding at the facility. Originally designed to hold 1,914 inmates, the prison is operating beyond its capacity, with many inmates unable to pay the fines imposed at their conviction.

Sengeh expressed concern that the majority of those imprisoned are there simply because they are poor, with around 90% being young people. He noted that while the government, under President Julius Maada Bio, has passed a new Criminal Procedure Act to address such issues, more needs to be done to ensure justice is swiftly administered.

"This situation is unacceptable," Sengeh remarked, emphasizing that the Bio administration is committed to human capital development, which must be reflected in their actions. "We found prisoners behind bars for fines as low as 200 leones, with most owing just 1,000 leones. This is not justice," he added.

As an advocate for social justice and radical inclusion, Sengeh immediately committed to paying the fines of all 47 inmates, ensuring their release after appropriate legal procedures are followed. He also vowed to request a judge to visit the prison promptly to address ongoing cases, noting that some inmates have been awaiting trial for up to two years.

Sengeh highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve the justice sector, emphasizing that Pujehun is his home, and these actions are both governmental and personal. He stressed the importance of upholding the principles and values of shared humanity and a commitment to transforming society.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Secretary to the President, the head of Correctional Services, two Members of Parliament, a district councilor, and several local stakeholders.