Bo, Sierra Leone, 28th August 2024 – The Acting Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, officially inaugurated new Magistrate and High Court buildings in Bo, the country’s second-largest city, located in the Southern Region. This event marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance the judiciary’s capacity for effective justice delivery.
In his keynote address, Justice Browne-Marke expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the state-of-the-art court buildings, describing the occasion as historic. He highlighted the dire conditions under which judicial officers previously operated, citing the lack of basic amenities such as air conditioning and electricity in the old court buildings. Despite these challenges, Hon. Justice Abubakarr Sannoh, who oversees the judicial districts of Bo and Kenema, remained dedicated to his duties without complaint.
The newly constructed facilities feature spacious chambers for judges and magistrates, well-equipped offices for senior support staff, and three modern holding centres for male and female inmates. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of court proceedings and overall justice delivery in the region.
Representing the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Augustine Sheku, State Counsel for the Southern Region, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for justice. He noted that the new infrastructure demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice efficiently and effectively. Sheku also pointed out that the new courts will help alleviate overcrowding in the region’s male correctional centre.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Brima Kenneh, acknowledged the judiciary’s efforts and noted the positive impact the new facilities will have on policing and the judicial process. He reiterated that the challenging conditions under which judges and magistrates previously worked had hindered timely trials, which in turn affected law enforcement.
The Chief Engineer from the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, representing the ministry at the event, underscored the importance of infrastructure in the justice sector. He stated that the ministry is working closely with the judiciary to replicate similar developments in other judicial districts, following successful projects like the one in Kailahun.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of ribbons by Hon. Resident Minister South, Mohamed E.K. Alie, and Paramount Chief Prince Lapia Boima IV of Kakua Chiefdom, alongside other dignitaries.