By Fatima Kpaka
Law Court Building, Freetown, January 15, 2025:—Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, has assured Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of the government’s commitment to making access to effective justice delivery free, fair, transparent, and accountable to the people.
During his first courtesy call on the Chief Justice since his appointment by His Excellency the President in December, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to working with all key players in the justice system. The goal is to ensure the full implementation of Sierra Leone’s Justice Sector Reform Strategy, launched by the President on September 12, 2024.
The Strategy, according to the Minister, has four strategic objectives: strengthening access to justice through a people-centered approach, expediting justice delivery through training and digital case management, strengthening human rights and the rule of law, and reinforcing justice sector institutions for effective service delivery.
The Minister highlighted that the strategy also focuses on reforms in other sectors, such as the Police and Correctional Services. Effective coordination among the Police, Attorney General’s office, Judiciary, Correctional Service, and communities is central to the justice delivery process.
The government recognizes that justice delivery should not be confined to Freetown. The strategy aims to ensure that residents in the provinces equally benefit from the justice system, with increased standards and professionalism in the legal profession.
In his remarks, the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda stated that an independent and impartial judiciary is crucial for any thriving democracy that prioritizes human rights and the rule of law. He assured that his leadership would uphold the mission of the Judiciary by enforcing the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the rule of law, as well as adjudicating cases to promote national peace, security, and development. He emphasized his resolve to change public perception of the institution and build trust in the justice system.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding and maintaining the independence of the judiciary at all times.