Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has recorded one of its most transformative periods in recent history as the Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, marked one year in office on December 16, 2025, with sweeping reforms that have fundamentally strengthened justice delivery, expanded access to courts, and restored public confidence in the judicial system.
Since assuming office, the Chief Justice has pursued an ambitious reform agenda anchored on discipline, institutional integrity, efficiency, and inclusiveness. These reforms have not only reshaped how justice is administered within Sierra Leone but have also attracted international attention, positioning the country as a growing example of judicial reform in Africa.
One of the most groundbreaking achievements under his leadership is the historic first-ever sittings of the Court of Appeal in the provinces. This milestone ended decades of over-centralization of appellate justice in Freetown and brought higher courts closer to citizens in regional communities, significantly reducing the cost and hardship associated with seeking justice at appellate level.
In a bold response to the rising concern of sexual and gender-based violence, the Judiciary established the country’s first Sexual Offences Model Courts initially in Bo District and later in Makeni, Bombali District. These specialized courts are designed to provide survivor-centered justice, expedite cases, protect victims, and enhance professionalism in the handling of sexual offences, especially those involving women and children.
Access to justice was further expanded with the establishment of the first-ever Magistrate’s Court in Mile 91, Tonkolili District, along with the assignment of the town’s first resident magistrate. For years, residents of the area were forced to travel long distances to seek judicial services; this development has now brought the law within reach of thousands of citizens.
Modernization of the Judiciary also featured prominently, marked by the establishment of the first ultra-modern electronic law library (e-Library). This innovation has significantly enhanced legal research, judicial writing, and access to up-to-date legal resources for judges, magistrates, and legal practitioners across the country.
In districts long deprived of consistent High Court presence, such as Pujehun and Kono, High Court sittings were revived after several years without resident judges. This move addressed serious case backlogs and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not delayed due to geographical disadvantage.
The Chief Justice also intensified the fight against migrant smuggling, leading to notable convictions that attracted international recognition under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. These landmark cases reinforced Sierra Leone’s resolve to combat transnational crime and uphold international legal standards.
A major shift in judicial culture was introduced through firm directives on bail. Emphasizing that bail must not be used as a tool of punishment, the Chief Justice directed courts to admit accused persons now legally referred to as defendants to bail, particularly in misdemeanor cases under the Public Order Act. This policy reinforced constitutional safeguards and strengthened respect for the presumption of innocence.
To address human resource gaps and case overload, the Judiciary appointed 13 magistrates, 7 High Court judges, and promoted 3 judges to the Court of Appeal and 1 to the Supreme Court. These appointments, complemented by the recruitment of Legal Researchers, have improved judicial efficiency, strengthened legal analysis, and reduced delays in case disposal.
Additional reforms include nationwide Prison Court sittings, personally monitored by the Chief Justice through visits to correctional facilities across the country. These sittings led to the review of prolonged remand cases and ensured that inmates’ rights were protected. The initiative earned commendation from the former United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, who described the reforms as impressive and clearly visible within a short period.
The Judiciary also introduced weekly and monthly case tracking mechanisms, unannounced court monitoring visits, and continuous capacity-building programmes for judges, magistrates, and support staff. These measures have strengthened accountability, reduced delays, and promoted professionalism across the justice sector.
Reflecting on the first year of reforms, the Chief Justice noted that the changes were deliberate and people-centered. He reaffirmed that the ultimate goal remains an independent, transparent, and responsive Judiciary that serves every Sierra Leonean whether in Freetown or the most remote parts of the country.
One year on, the reforms have not only reshaped the judicial landscape but have also laid a strong foundation for a justice system that is fair, timely, accessible, and worthy of public trust.