CJ Kamanda flanked by AG Alpha Sesay (right) and by Dr Denis Sandy (left) CJ and others standing in front of the quarters
The Honourable Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has commissioned the first ultramodern judicial residential quarters in Kailahun District, in a move aimed at improving the living and working conditions of Judges, Magistrates and judicial support staff serving outside Freetown.
The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at Reservation in Kailahun Town, where the fully furnished facility was officially unveiled. Designed to accommodate the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate, the quarters feature modern amenities intended to provide a comfortable and conducive living environment for judicial officers. The development forms part of Chief Justice Kamanda’s broader Access to Justice agenda, which seeks to strengthen the administration of justice by addressing some of the practical challenges faced by judicial officers across the country.
Each residential unit comprises three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen and store. The facility is also equipped with a full solar power system, DStv television services, boys’ quarters and other supporting amenities to enhance the comfort and convenience of its occupants.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Justice Kamanda described the facility as an important investment in the justice sector, noting that suitable accommodation is essential to enabling judicial officers to perform their duties effectively. He emphasised that providing decent housing for Judges and Magistrates was a key component of his commitment to improving access to justice, particularly for people living outside the capital.
“This is the meaning of true justice and forms part of my Access to Justice agenda,” the Chief Justice said.
He reaffirmed his determination to improve the living and working conditions of judicial officers nationwide, expressing his ambition to see similar modern residential facilities established in every district or district headquarters town.
“I will continue to ensure that Judges and Magistrates are working in a conducive environment to better do their work,” he assured.
Chief Justice Kamanda also acknowledged the support of President Julius Maada Bio, expressing appreciation for the government’s commitment to investing in judicial infrastructure and providing resources to strengthen the administration of justice. He further thanked the people of Kailahun for their cooperation and support towards the successful completion of the project.
In his welcome address, the Paramount Chief of Luawa Chiefdom, PC Kailondo Sama Banya, welcomed the commissioning of the quarters, describing the provision of improved court facilities and residential accommodation for judicial officers as an important development for the district.
However, he called for similar accommodation to be provided for judicial support staff, whose contributions he said were equally important to the effective functioning of the courts. He noted that the work of Judges and Magistrates depended on the assistance of court personnel, who help ensure the smooth handling of court proceedings and other judicial responsibilities.
“The Judge and Magistrate can never work without the judicial support staff,” PC Banya said, stressing the need for their welfare and working conditions to receive similar attention.
The Honourable Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denise M. Sandy, who attended the ceremony, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join the Chief Justice in commissioning the facility. She assured those present that President Julius Maada Bio remained committed to supporting similar infrastructure initiatives across the country.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., also welcomed the development, describing the occasion as an opportunity to support the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to strengthen access to justice. He said providing suitable accommodation for the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate was an important part of creating an environment in which judicial officers could carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Sesay further expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project, noting that investments in judicial infrastructure were important to supporting the delivery of justice and improving conditions for those serving within the justice system.
The ceremony culminated in the formal handover of the keys to the residential quarters by the Minister of Works and Public Assets to Chief Justice Kamanda. This was followed by the cutting of the tape to officially commission the facility, marking its formal opening for use.
The new judicial quarters represent a further step towards improving the infrastructure available to judicial officers serving in the provinces. By providing modern residential accommodation in Kailahun, the Judiciary aims to address housing-related challenges and support the effective delivery of judicial services outside Freetown.
Chief Justice Kamanda’s commitment to expanding similar facilities to other district headquarters signals a broader effort to improve the conditions under which judicial officers work and live. The call by the Paramount Chief for comparable accommodation for support staff also highlighted the importance of considering the wider needs of court personnel who contribute to the day-to-day administration of justice.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
