The Government of Sierra Leone has clarified that no religious policy has been adopted, amid growing public speculation over a proposed framework aimed at regulating religious institutions in the country.

The clarification was made during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) press conference held on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, where government officials emphasized that discussions remain at the consultation stage and no final decisions have been taken.

Providing further context, Melrose Karminty said the ongoing engagements are intended to safeguard Sierra Leone’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

She stressed that the government has no intention of regulating religious beliefs or worship practices, but is instead focused on conduct that could threaten public peace and national unity.

“The role of government is not to regulate religious beliefs or preaching. Our responsibility is to regulate conduct,” she stated.

According to the Minister, the proposed framework seeks to address concerns such as hate speech, religious extremism, and activities capable of undermining social harmony.

Karminty further explained that under the proposed arrangement, individuals seeking to establish religious institutions would first require endorsement from recognized religious bodies before undergoing further review by the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare.

She also confirmed that no policy has been approved by Cabinet, reiterating that the process remains consultative and that any eventual draft would still require formal government approval before implementation.

The clarification comes as public debate continues over how best to preserve religious freedom while ensuring national peace and cohesion.