Former President of the Sierra Leone Football Association and current member of the FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee, Isha Johansen, on Tuesday 10th March 2026, paid a courtesy visit to Alpha Sesay, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to discuss concerns surrounding the treatment and sentencing of inmates at the Female Correctional Centre.
The meeting focused largely on what many observers have described as disproportionately harsh fines and sentences imposed on inmates for relatively minor offences. Although the issue was highlighted in relation to the female correctional facility, it is believed that similar sentencing patterns may also affect inmates in other correctional institutions.
Johansen, who is the founder of the social empowerment initiatives Football for Reform and Fashion for Change, said her advocacy is rooted in efforts to promote rehabilitation, gender empowerment, and social reintegration through the influence of football and fashion.
The former football administrator has recently been vocal about the challenges faced by female inmates, particularly mothers and young children living within correctional facilities. Speaking during an appearance on Truth Radio, she expressed concern about the growing number of babies being born at the correctional centre.
“The sense of hopelessness and neglect seems to be the story of their lives,” Johansen said during the programme, highlighting the difficult circumstances faced by many of the women.
While she declined to disclose details of her full discussion with the Attorney General, Johansen described the meeting as constructive and encouraging.
“Mr Alpha Sesay is a very decent and upright-thinking young man with a lot of empathy. We had a very good discussion, and I am very encouraged about some very positive outcomes in the very near future,” she stated.
According to the Deputy Head of Prisons, Madam Susan, Johansen has over the years been one of the most consistent supporters of the Female Correctional Centre. She is reported to have paid fines for and facilitated the release of more than 100 female inmates.
During the meeting, Attorney General Alpha Sesay commended Johansen for her humanitarian efforts and sustained support to vulnerable inmates. He also assured that the Ministry of Justice would carefully review the issues she raised and consider appropriate measures where necessary.
Discussions are also believed to have touched on regional peace initiatives such as the Mano River Football for Peace programme, which seeks to promote unity and social development through sport.
Johansen, who currently serves on the FIFA Foundation Board, noted that throughout her more than two decades in football administration she has witnessed how the game can be used as a powerful tool to unite communities and promote positive social change.
She reiterated that her continued advocacy is aimed at ensuring that rehabilitation and second chances remain central to the justice system, particularly for women and young mothers serving time in correctional facilities.
