The Parliament of Sierra Leone has ratified seven international agreements and treaties aimed at strengthening the protection of intellectual property, promoting cultural development, and improving access to information for persons with disabilities.
The treaties were ratified on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, after being laid before Parliament on Tuesday, 14th July 2026, by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay Esq.
The ratified agreements include the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (2012), Marrakech Treaty (2013) on facilitating access to published works for visually impaired persons, Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886), Brussels Convention (1974) relating to satellite-transmitted programme-carrying signals, Madrid Agreement (1891) on indications of source, Geneva Convention (1971) for the protection of phonogram producers, and the Rome Convention (1961) for the protection of performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organisations.
Presenting the agreements, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. said the ratifications represent a significant step towards strengthening the rights of creators, ensuring fair compensation for intellectual works, and aligning Sierra Leone’s legal framework with international standards.
He explained that the Marrakech Treaty will improve access to published works for blind and partially sighted persons by allowing the creation and exchange of accessible format materials across borders to address the global challenge of “book famine.”
According to the Minister, the treaty provides a legal framework for reproducing and distributing books in accessible formats, while allowing authorised institutions to produce copies for non-commercial lending and electronic distribution. He added that member states would be required to introduce copyright exceptions to facilitate access to information for persons with visual impairments.
Mr. Sesay noted that these measures would contribute to building a more inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities to access knowledge and cultural resources.
On the Berne Convention, the Attorney General disclosed that although Sierra Leone is not yet a member, several of its provisions are already reflected in the Copyright Act of 2011. He said full membership would further enhance copyright protection and provide Sierra Leonean creators with greater international recognition and benefits.
During the debate, Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin of Bo District called for increased public awareness of the treaties, urging that information about their importance be widely shared with citizens.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, welcomed the ratification, describing it as a critical move towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s participation in global systems of intellectual property protection.
He said the Marrakech Treaty would help eliminate discrimination against visually impaired persons, while the Rome and Geneva Conventions would provide stronger protection for the entertainment industry and creative professionals. He also called for nationwide sensitisation and greater engagement by Members of Parliament to promote public understanding of the agreements.
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, referenced the constitutional responsibilities of both the President and Parliament in advancing national interests.
He described the Beijing Treaty as important for protecting cultural performances and ensuring fair competition, while highlighting the Marrakech Treaty as a key instrument for facilitating access to knowledge across borders.
Hon. Lamina also raised concerns over piracy and plagiarism, calling for stronger copyright enforcement mechanisms and urging continued support for lawmakers to educate their constituents about the importance of the treaties.
Lawmakers across the political divide welcomed the ratifications as a milestone in protecting creators, promoting access to knowledge, and bringing Sierra Leone’s intellectual property laws closer to international standards.
The seven treaties will now proceed through the process of domestication into Sierra Leone’s national legal framework. In his closing remarks, Attorney General Alpha Sesay Esq. also highlighted government’s ongoing efforts to promote and strengthen intellectual property systems in the country.
