The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has clarified that Cabinet has not approved any new religious policy, dismissing growing speculation surrounding alleged changes to the regulation of religious institutions in Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Youyi Building in Freetown, the Minister emphasized that discussions remain at the consultation stage and no final policy decision has been reached.
“We don’t have a policy yet. We just have frameworks,” Karminty stated, assuring the public that any future development would be officially communicated after broader stakeholder consultations.
Addressing concerns over government interference in religion, the Minister stressed that authorities have no intention of regulating religious beliefs, but rather the conduct of religious institutions where necessary.
“Government is not responsible to regulate religious beliefs. We are only there to regulate conduct,” she said, while noting that the consultative process would involve all relevant stakeholders.
Karminty also criticized the politicization of religion, calling for a balanced and non-political approach to matters relating to faith and governance.
She reiterated government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom while ensuring accountability and proper recognition systems within religious institutions across the country.
According to the Minister, any future framework concerning 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 concluded by assuring the public that religious matters require strategic and careful handling over time, emphasizing that no policy would be implemented without broad consultation and institutional review.