Four Charged as Sierra Leone Records Historic First Enforcement of Child Marriage Law

The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has charged four individuals in connection with offences under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, marking a significant step in the enforcement of the new law.

The accused – Sayo Marrah, Lansana Qura, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara – are facing three counts: contracting marriage with a child, consenting to child marriage, and aiding and abetting child marriage, contrary to Sections 2, 3, and 10 of the Act.

The prosecution of the four individuals represents the first known enforcement action under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, particularly in relation to contracting, consenting to, and facilitating such marriages.