By Yusufu S. Bangura
Chief Justice and Attorney General discussing ways to strengthen justice sector
In order to strengthen Sierra Leone’s justice system, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to judicial independence, efficiency, and public trust.
This assurance came during a high-level engagement with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq at the Chief Justice’s Chambers in the Main Law Courts Building, Freetown.
The Attorney General’s visit his first official engagement with the Judiciary since assuming office in December signified a renewed commitment by the government to making justice truly accessible, transparent, and accountable to all Sierra Leoneans.
He emphasized that the administration is determined to work closely with all justice sector institutions to fully implement the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, a bold initiative launched by President Julius Maada Bio on September 12, 2024.
“This ambitious reform agenda is built on four fundamental pillars, expanding access to justice by placing citizens at the heart of the system, accelerating case resolution through training and digital transformation, upholding human rights and reinforcing the rule of law and enhancing institutional efficiency to ensure faster, more effective service delivery,” he said.
The Attorney General underscored the urgent need for greater coordination among key justice sector stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Judiciary, Correctional Services, and local communities.
He asserted, the justice system can be transformed into a reliable, efficient, and equitable institution that commands public confidence, by fostering stronger partnerships and streamlined operations.
He highlighted the imperative to decentralize the justice system, ensuring that legal services are no longer concentrated in Freetown but extended to all regions of the country.
This, he affirmed, will ensure that every citizen, regardless of geography, has equal access to a professional and impartial justice system.
In response, Chief Justice Kamanda welcomed the government’s commitment to reform and pledged his full support in realizing a modern, transparent, and independent judiciary.
He stressed that a fair and impartial judiciary is the bedrock of democracy, essential for upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and maintaining national stability.
He further acknowledged the growing public skepticism towards the justice system and vowed to confront these concerns head-on by strengthening professionalism, eliminating inefficiencies, and restoring faith in judicial processes.
He said his leadership, will be driven by a singular vision in order to build a judiciary that operates without bias, functions with transparency, and delivers swift and equitable justice to all citizens.
The Attorney General, in closing, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the independence of the judiciary at all times.
His assurance signals a transformative new era of collaboration between the executive and judicial arms of government, aimed at establishing a justice system that truly serves the people.
