By Thaimu T. Kamara
During a courtesy visit to the Chinese Embassy at Spur Loop in Freetown, Chinese embassador to Sierra Leone, his excellency Wang Qing, expressed admiration for the swift and bold reforms undertaken by the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, on Thursday12 June 2025 his lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, just 200 days into his tenure.
I’m impressed with your reforms in just 200 days of leadership as the honourable chief justice of this country, ambassador Qing remarked, commending Justice Kamanda’s transformative approach to strengthening the judiciary and enhancing access to justice.
Among the key reforms highlighted by the Chinese ambassador was the restructuring of the Bailiffs department, under new regulations, no execution of court orders is to be carried out by the undersheriff’s office without prior approval from supervisory judges an action aimed at curbing abuse of power and ensuring accountability.
Ambassador Qing also acknowledged the revival of judicial activities in remote regions. Notably, high court sittings have resumed in Pujehun district, which had gone without such proceedings for over two years, the chief justice has further expanded the reach of justice by increasing the number of magistrates and Judges across the country.
In another significant reform, Justice Kamanda reviewed the process for granting Adoption orders, removing the authority of court registrars to sign such orders. Now, all finalized adoption rulings must be signed by the master and registrar, a change designed to uphold judicial integrity and prevent irregularities.
Responding to the ambassador’s commendation, his lordship justice Komba Kamanda thanked the people’s republic of China for its long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, especially in the areas of infrastructure and healthcare, the 55-year diplomatic relationship between our two countries has yielded tremendous benefits for our people from the construction of the National Stadium to vital health facilities, he noted.
He emphasized that the core mandate of the judiciary is to administer justice fairly, impartially, and without fear or favor, though the challenges are many and the cost of justice remains high globally, we are determined to strengthen the system for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans, he added.
Justice Kamanda also appealed to the Chinese ambassador for support in strengthening the judiciary, including potential areas of cooperation in capacity building, digital transformation, and infrastructure development, we want the judiciary to work better, to reach farther, and to inspire greater public trust, he said, But to do this, we need partners who understand the importance of an independent and effective judicial system.
The meeting was attended by members of the chief justice’s delegation, including Honourable justices of the superior court of Judicature, who also echoed their commitment to the reform agenda and thanked the Chinese embassy for its interest in judicial development, the visit underscored the strengthening of diplomatic and institutional ties between Sierra Leone and China, particularly in areas of governance, rule of law, and justice delivery.
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Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 16TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
