Law library · Sierra Leone · The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991
Section 50: Mental or physical incapacity.
In force, as amendedThe Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, Sierra Leone
(1) Where the Cabinet has resolved that the question of the mental or physical capacity of the President todischarge the functions conferred on him by this Constitution ought to be investigated and has informed the Speaker
accordingly, the Speaker shall, in consultation with the Head of the Medical Service of Sierra Leone, appoint a Board
consisting of not less than five persons selected by him from among persons registered as medical practitioners under
the laws of Sierra Leone.
(2) The Board appointed under subsection (1) shall enquire into the matter and make a report to the Speaker stating
the opinion of the Board whether or not the President is, by reason of any infirmity of mind or body, incapable of
discharging the functions conferred on the President by this Constitution.
(3) Where the Cabinet has resolved that the question of the mental or physical capacity of the President to discharge
the functions conferred on him by this Constitution ought to be investigated in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (1), the President shall, as soon as another person assumes the office of President, cease to perform those
functions and until the Board submits its report, those functions shall be exercised in accordance with subsection (1)
of section 52 of this Constitution.
(4) Where the Board reports that the President is incapable of discharging the functions conferred on him by this
Constitution by reason of infirmity of mind or body, the Speaker shall certify in writing accordingly, and thereupon,
the President shall cease to hold office and a vacancy shall be deemed to have occurred in the office of President and
subsection (4) of section 49 of this Constitution shall apply.
(5) Upon receipt of the report of the Board referred to in subsection (4), the Speaker shall—
a. if Parliament is then sitting or has been summoned to meet, within five days communicate the report to
Parliament;
b. if Parliament is not then sitting (and notwithstanding that it may be prorogued), summon Parliament to meet
within twenty-one days after the receipt by the Speaker of the report of the Board and communicate the
report of the Board to Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of this section—
a. the Cabinet may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member;
b. a Certificate by the Speaker that the President is by reason of mental or physical infirmity unable to
discharge the functions of the office of President conferred on him by this Constitution shall, in respect of
any period for which it is in force, be conclusive and shall not be entertained or enquired into in any court.
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