Chief Justice Komba Kamanda speaking at the launch of the first ever provincial court of appeal
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially launched the first-ever Court of Appeal sitting in the provinces since the establishment of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.
The landmark event,ich took place at Mena Hill in Makeni city on Thursday 27th November, 2025, brought together stakeholders from the North-East, North-West, and Kono Distrith cts, who described the initiative as a groundbreaking step in strengthening the country’s justice system.
Delivering the Declaration of Purpose, Supreme Court Judge Honourable Justice Alusine Sesay said the gathering aligns with the Honourable Chief Justice’s vision to expand access to justice through tangible reforms that bring the courts closer to the people. He noted that a panel of three judges will sit in Makeni to hear and determine all appeals originating from the northern provinces, including Kono.
In his statement, the Mayor of Makeni City, His Worship Abubakarr Kamara, commended what he described as “the transformational leadership” of the Judiciary under Honourable Chief Justice Kamanda.
“The exemplary leadership of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has given us hope and made us believe that Sierra Leone is moving forward,” the Mayor said, adding that he is highly impressed with the ongoing reforms within the Judiciary.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in the North, Paramount Chief Kandeh Bangura Gbetgbo III of Kamaranka Chiefdom in Bombali District praised the initiative to decentralize the Court of Appeal.
“The Chief Justice’s decision to take the Court of Appeal to our people is not only significant, it is worthy of national celebration,” PC Gbetgbo III said.
“Thank you, our great Chief Justice, for such a remarkable initiative to alleviate the suffering of our people. We, the Paramount Chiefs of the Northern province are grateful.”
Stakeholders collectively reaffirmed their confidence in the Honourable Chief Justice, stating that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio made an excellent choice in appointing Justice Komba Kamanda. They referenced the establishment of the Sexual Offences Model Court and the extension of Court of Appeal sittings to the provinces as evidence of his impactful leadership.
Delivering his keynote address, the Honourable Chief Justice expressed gratitude to President Bio for his continued support to the Judiciary, “without which we would not have been here today to open the first-ever Court of Appeal sittings in the provinces.”
He emphasized that Freetown alone does not represent Sierra Leone, noting that the majority of the population lives outside the Western Area. With this understanding, the Chief Justice said he has made conscious efforts to expand access to justice for all citizens.
Justice Kamanda reminded the gathering that in less than a year, Bo City, Mile 91, Kono District, Makeni, and several other areas have witnessed the establishment of new court structures, reflecting the Judiciary’s strengthened presence in line with his access-to-justice reforms.
For more information, contact the Judiciary Communications and Public Affairs Unit or visit our website at www.judiciary.gov.sl, and follow us on all our social media platforms.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 28th November 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
