Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications, Main Law Courts Building, Freetown, 13th May, 2025: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of two Judges elevated to the Court of Appeal, seven newly appointed Judges of the High Court and nineteen Notaries Public.
The oath taking ceremony for Appeal’s Court and High Court Judges is provided for by section 139 (b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991. The event was preceded by a resounding Parliamentary approval of all the eleven (11) appointees in the Well of Parliament in May, 2025.
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC), Emilda Stronge said the event marks a significant step towards actualizing the Chief Justice’s vision of increasing access to justice across the country.
Briefly addressing the new appointees, the Honourable Chief Justice Kamanda said the judiciary is a “bastion of justice, fairness and integrity.” He said amid the ongoing reforms, he’s hopeful that the newly sworn-in Judges will increase the number of benchers and also improve on ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth delivery of justice throughout the country.
Recognising that justice should be taken to the length and breadth of the country, the Honourable Chief Justice disclosed that some judges will be posted to places without resident High Court Judges in the interest of expeditious justice delivery, thereby increasing access to justice in those remote communities.
He encouraged the judges to be independent and impartial in their dispensation of justice and to uphold the constitution at all times.
“You are heartily welcome to the Bench, and let me assure you of my support and the support of all the judges of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone. Continue to work hard and to selflessly serve humanity,” he concluded.
To the new Court of Appeal Judges, the Chief Justice said their elevation from High Court to Appeal’s Court is no mean achievement but a proof of their proven track records of integrity, commitment and dedication to work which the judiciary needs in rebranding the institution and restoring public trust in its work.
In his remarks on behalf of the new Court of Appeal Judges, Hon. Justice Alfred T. Ganda said they’re honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in them by the Chief Justice and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. He said he sees the appointment not as a privilege but a sense of responsibility to serve with utmost respect for the rule of law, the constitution and the people of this country.
He thanked the Chief Justice for his guidance and support, which he said continue to inspire them to attain the level of excellence required of judicial officers.
“I thank the Chief Justice for his guidance and support which continue to inspire not only excellence but integrity in the institution. Your unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and judicial reforms continue to serve as a beacon for all of us who strive to uphold the dignity of this noble institution. We pledge to discharge our duties with diligence, impartiality and utmost fidelity to the oath we’ve just taken,” he assured.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the appointed High Court Judges, Hon. Justice Khalila Diana Kamara said the appointment of judges is a testament to the fact that the Judiciary, an all-important arm of government, remains dynamic and robust. She said the Hon. Chief Justice, the General Legal Council and the management of the Judiciary recognise the importance of an effective judicial system by recommending for the appointment of a total of seven High Court Judges, three justices of the Court of Appeal and one to the Supreme Court.
“By this singular action, the judiciary has demonstrated it will and purpose to enhance the judicial machinery of our beloved country. This is indeed a commendable milestone and for which Sierra Leone is grateful,” she said.
To her colleague judges, she extended her profound well-wishes and encouraged them for the task ahead which she described as “sacred, noble and enormous.” She stressed that they shouldn’t take for granted.
In concluding, she said “let us dispense our duties with a fair sense of fairness, integrity and decorum. Let us serve our beloved nation and create legacies worthy of emulation. Let us inspire hope, trust and respect for the judiciary and let us dispense justice and serve our beloved nation regardless of who appears before us.”
Five of the Judges including Honourable Justices Marke Ngegba, Isata S. Sellu-Tucker, Josephine F. Hinga, Santigie Ibrahim S. Bangura, Sahr Elogima Kekura have served as Magistrates for several years while Ms. Khalila Diana Kamara and Andrew Samuel Curtis Johnson have been in the corporate world for many years.
In a similar development, 19 lawyers subscribed to oaths as Notaries Public. Among the 19 Notaries Public sworn in were Roland Gidwani, Emmanuel Teddy Koroma, Saptieu Saccoh, Martina B. Egbenda and A.J.M Bockarie, among others.
For more information, contact the Judiciary Communications on +23278244739/+23276617548/+23279101086 or follow us on www.judiciary.gov.sl or on all our social media platforms.