President Bio Appoints Susan Baby Koker 1st Female Correctional Service Deputy Director General
By Mohamed Konneh
President Julius Maada Bio has appointed Madam Susan Baby Koker as the first ever women to the position of Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. Madam Coker is the first woman to be appointed to that position making her appointment a historic one in the history of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.
The Office of the President made the announcement late on Friday 10th January 2025 making the latest appointment a significant milestones in the history of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.
In a public notice issued from State House, President Bio appoints both Mr. Joseph J. Senesi the new Director-General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. Alongside him, was Mdm. Susan B. Coker named as the Deputy Director-General.
These appointments are part of the President’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s correctional system and ensure effective leadership in the sector.
These new appointments take effect immediately, with expectations of improved service delivery and reform within the correctional system.
Susan Baby Koker, known as Diamond Suzy, before her appointment to the position of Deputy Director General was the Director of Support Services of the Correctional Service.
As Director of Support Services she was the Principal adviser to the Director General on administrative and operational issues; Provide logistical support to Correctional Centre's across the Country.
The newly appointed Deputy Director General was the Chief Superintendent of Corrections and has served the Sierra Leone Correctional Service for the last 34 years. Madam Susan was enlisted into the Correctional service on 1st June 1990. She hails from Sulima, Soro Gbema Chiefdom in the Pujehun District, Southern Sierra Leone.
Educational Background:
1. MA Peace and Reconciliation at Coventry University, UK
2. Post Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution Skills, Coventry University, UK
3. BA in Conflict Resolution, Kampala International University, Uganda
4. Higher Teachers Certificate, Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET)
5. Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Public Health, College of Medicine and Health.
6. State Enrol Community Health Nurse, Forces Nurses Training School, Wilberforce
7. Several national and international certificate and Diploma
Work Experience
1. Sierra Leone Correctional Service 1990
2. Corrections Advisor at United Nations Mission in Sudan for 18 months
3. Law Enforcement Advisor at United Nations Development Programme in South Sudan for 32 month
4. Corrections Training and Development Officer at United Nations Mission in Liberia for 5 years
5. United Nations Development Programme in Liberia as consultant
6. UN Women Liberia as consultant
7. Kofi Anna Institute, University of Liberia as Senior Researcher
Recently awarded Officer of the Order of the Rokel by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Susan is hard working, respectful, resilient and committed to work
In 2024 Madam Susan B Koker was awarded a certificate in mentorship for Mentoring Women in Peace and Security. This prestigious certificate was awarded by the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, Ghana.
The certification is part of a continuous training initiative organized by the Women Youth Peace and Security Department of KAIPTC, aimed at empowering women leaders across Africa.
Madam Koker comes from a humble beginning, inspired by other women in society. Breaking the barriers of stereotypes about women in the profession and has expertise from participating in several dialogues and conferences that motivated her.
Madam Susan B Koker on Saturday 11th November 2023 received another prestigious award from Women's Forum Sierra Leone. This is newly appointed Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.
