Judiciary Brings Court of Appeal Closer To The People With First Provincial Sitting
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has on Thursday 27th November, 2925; inaugurated the very first provincial sitting of the Court of Appeal since the Judiciary’s establishment. The ceremony marked a historic step, bringing appellate justice within reach of communities long distant from Freetown.
Officials and stakeholders from the North-East, North-West and Kono Districts described the move as a landmark advance in improving access to justice. During the launch, Supreme Court Judge Honourable Justice Alusine Sesay delivered a Declaration of Purpose, noting that a three-judge panel will sit in Makeni to hear and decide all appeals from the northern provinces, including Kono.
Leaders at the ceremony praised the initiative. The Mayor of Makeni City, His Worship Abubakarr Kamara, lauded what he called “the transformational leadership” of the Judiciary under Chief Justice Kamanda. Paramount Chief Kandeh Bangura Gbetgbo III of Kamaranka Chiefdom (Bombali District), speaking on behalf of chiefs in the North expressed heartfelt gratitude for the decentralization, calling the decision “worthy of national celebration.”
Stakeholders affirmed their confidence in Chief Justice Kamanda’s appointment by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, pointing to the expansion of specialized courts and provincial Court of Appeal sittings as signs of real, impactful reform.
In his keynote address, Chief Justice Kamanda thanked President Bio for his support, noting that Freetown alone does not represent all of Sierra Leone. He underscored the importance of extending justice services beyond the capital, explaining that many citizens live in remote areas and that bringing the Court of Appeal to them reflects a commitment to fairness, equity, and national inclusion. Kamanda further reminded attendees that, within less than a year, several new court structures have been established outside Freetown, including in Bo, Mile 91, Kono, Makeni, among others.
Under the leadership of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone has embarked on a robust reform agenda aimed at expanding access to justice, improving judicial efficiency, and protecting vulnerable groups. Key recent achievements include:
The commissioning of a new specialized Sexual Offences Model Court (SOMC) in Makeni, with previous SOMCs opened in Bo and elsewhere, significantly expanding the reach of trauma-sensitive criminal justice services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Renovation and commissioning of Magistrate’s and High Court facilities in remote districts such as Kono District including provision of a Resident High Court Judge fulfilling long-standing demands for proper court infrastructure in previously underserved areas.
A nationwide initiative to monitor prisons and hold in-prison court sittings in an effort to decongest correctional facilities, accelerate case reviews, and uphold the rights of inmates particularly vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, mentally or physically challenged.
Deployment of additional magistrates and judges, accompanied by regular training sessions (via the Judicial and Legal Training Institute) to strengthen capacity at magisterial level and ensure fair dispensation of justice across all jurisdictions. Modernization measures, including the introduction of electronic case management systems and plans for e-justice initiatives, aimed at reducing delays, improving transparency, and making the courts more accessible to ordinary citizens.
These steps reflect Chief Justice Kamanda’s broader vision of a judiciary that is independent, efficient, and responsive one that serves every citizen, regardless of where they live, and upholds the rule of law with fairness and dignity.
