By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The leadership of the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to effective collaboration with the Judiciary of Sierra Leone in the full implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy launched by His Excellency the President in September 2024.
Speaking with the leadership of the judiciary in the Chambers of the Hon. Chief Justice, Shahid Kodjie, the JSCO Coordinator, emphasized the institution’s deep appreciation for the cooperation and support of the judiciary in achieving key justice sector reforms and strengthening access to justice for all citizens. “The JSCO remains committed to continuing our solid partnership with the judiciary to achieve our collective vision of a more efficient, accessible, and gender-responsive justice system. We remain open to further dialogue and collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the justice sector strategy 2024-2030,” Kodjie assured.
Kodjie highlighted the judiciary’s instrumental role in various initiatives supported by the JSCO over the past year, contributing immensely to the development and implementation of impactful reforms. A key area of collaboration has been the judiciary’s leadership and support in championing the review process and eventual enactment of the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, which he described as a landmark legislation and a significant step towards modernizing the criminal justice system.
The judiciary has further demonstrated its commitment to capacity building by facilitating the training of judges and magistrates on the uniform application of the new Criminal Procedure Act 2024, ensuring consistency and fairness in judicial processes. Referencing Objective 2 of the strategy, which focuses on improved case management at all levels of the court system, Kodjie stated that the JSCO is dedicated to boosting the judiciary’s work through modernizing formal case management. This includes digitalization and automation of court records and communications, deploying courtroom technology (video and audio), and recruiting, training, and developing stenographers to significantly reduce the length of court proceedings.
Hon. Chief Justice Komba Kamanda expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the judiciary and the JSCO, describing the JSCO as a key player in ensuring access to justice. He highlighted key challenges faced by the judiciary, including the lack of modernization, funding, adequate case management systems, audio-visual equipment, stenographers, and video conferencing facilities. He thanked the JSCO leadership and encouraged them to reach out to partners to support the judiciary in areas such as capacity building for registrars who need training on the new Criminal Procedure Act. He pledged the judiciary’s support not only to the JSCO but also to reforms and social changes in the interest of expeditious justice delivery.