Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh - Freetown, Sierra Leone — Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of the Archdiocese of Freetown has issued a public disclaimer refuting claims made on the Ministry of Information’s website regarding the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill. In a statement dated January 6, 2025, the Archbishop clarified that he has not made any public declaration about the proposed modifications to the bill, contrary to assertions attributed to him.
The controversy stems from a post by the Ministry of Information, which implied that Archbishop Charles had acknowledged that the government’s amendments to the bill accommodated religious sensitivities. The Archbishop categorically dismissed the statement as false, emphasizing that he is yet to officially respond to the proposed amendments.
According to the Archbishop's statement, the modifications to the bill were only made accessible to religious leaders on January 3, 2025. These documents are currently under review by the Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone, and a formal response is pending. "Until this is done, it would be improper for me to declare, as claimed by the Ministry of Information, that the government has accommodated religious sensibilities," Archbishop Charles stated.
In response, the Ministry of Information released a clarification on the same day, acknowledging that their earlier communication might have given the impression of formal acceptance by the Archbishop. The Ministry noted that during a meeting on December 30, 2024, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage with religious leaders but made no official declaration regarding the amendments.
"We equally recognize that the Archbishop and the Interreligious Council, save for the engagements mentioned, have not made a public or formal declaration on the proposed amendments," the Ministry’s statement read. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that diverse values are respected.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill has been a contentious issue in Sierra Leone, eliciting strong opinions from religious groups, civil society, and policymakers. The ongoing dialogue between the government and religious leaders reflects efforts to strike a balance between safeguarding public health and respecting cultural and religious sensitivities.
The Archbishop concluded his statement by urging participants in the discussions to disregard the Ministry’s earlier claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and patience as the review process continues.
The Ministry, for its part, has encouraged all stakeholders to contribute constructively to the dialogue, describing the bill’s advancement as a collective national endeavor.
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