Supreme Court ruling secures final victory for Black Johnson
Freetown, Sierra Leone – 20th February 2025:
No fish harbour, no fishmeal factory, no forced evictions
The Save Black Johnson Beach Campaign welcomes the landmark legal victory with the Sierra Leone Supreme Court ruling of 6th February 2025, in the case of Theophilus Pratt and Hawanatu Pratt v. Dr. Turad Senessie, Minister of Lands, and Others (SC MiscApp No. 7/2024).
This ruling permanently ends the threat of a so-called “fish harbour” or fishmeal factory at Black Johnson Beach. It represents a decisive and absolute victory for the Save Black Johnson Beach Campaign.
We thank every single supporter who signed petitions, donated funds, shared our story, and stood with us through this battle. Without you, this victory would not have been possible. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that privately owned land cannot be seized by the government or any other entity, ensuring the full protection of our land, environment, and community.
Supreme Court Ruling: Private property cannot be taken
In this historic ruling, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Glenna Thompson (JSC), made it explicitly clear that the forcible removal of private citizens from their land is unconstitutional:
“The State, or any of its agents, has no authority to deprive a private citizen of their land without due process. Any attempt to do so is a direct violation of Section 21 of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the protection of private property. A survey plan signed by the Director of Surveys does not constitute ownership, nor does it override a private individual’s legal title.”
This judgement means that Black Johnson Beach is safe forever. No fishmeal factory, fish harbour, or any other government-backed industrial project can lawfully take place on our land. The Supreme Court has spoken - the case is closed.
A Victory for Black Johnson’s people and its environment
This ruling is not just a win for landowners; it is a triumph for environmental justice and the protection of Sierra Leone’s natural heritage.
Black Johnson Beach is home to five distinct ecosystems, including:
- ✅ Pristine beaches and coastal habitats
- ✅ Critical mangrove forests that protect against erosion
- ✅ Vibrant marine life, including fish breeding grounds
- ✅ Diverse rainforest ecosystems supporting wildlife
- ✅ Freshwater rivers and wetlands essential for biodiversity
For four years, the people of Black Johnson and thousands of global supporters fought tirelessly to prevent an ecological disaster. Thanks to the Supreme Court, this threat is permanently over. No more threats. No more uncertainty. Black Johnson Beach is safe.
The Save Black Johnson Beach Campaign welcomes this ruling as the final word on this matter. There will be no fishmeal factory, no forced land seizures, and no destruction of our environment.
With the legal battle won, we bring this campaign to a formal close on the high note of mission accomplished.
We couldn't have achieved this without your worldwide support.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact: blackjohnsonlandowners@gmail.comHashtags for social media: #SaveBlackJohnsonBeach #TheWorldIsWatching #NoFishFarm #VictoryForBlackJohnson
Link to full Supreme Court judgement: https://sierralii.gov.sl/akn/sl/judgment/slsc/2025/2/eng@2025-02-06
Start Performing Community Organisation is a U.K. registered charity, number 1139530.
SPCO-SL is a registered NGO in Sierra Leone.
