Kambia, Northern Sierra Leone – March 3, 2025. Courtesy of the Communications Unit of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s judiciary is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the visionary leadership of newly appointed Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda. His bold reforms are rapidly breaking down barriers to justice, ensuring that legal services reach every citizen, regardless of location. The latest High Court Criminal Session in Kambia—a region without a resident judge—demonstrates this commitment in action, resulting in eight convictions and three discharges.
This session, held under the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, is part of an ambitious initiative spearheaded by Chief Justice Kamanda to decentralize justice, clear case backlogs, and guarantee fair and timely trials. By deploying judges to underserved regions, the judiciary is not only upholding the rule of law but also reinforcing public confidence in Sierra Leone’s legal system.
Over a two-week period, Honourable Justice Mohamed Bawoh is presiding over 25 cases involving serious crimes, including murder, sexual penetration, conspiracy, wounding with intent, and larceny.
Among those convicted were 60-year-old herbalist Hassan Mansaray and 34-year-old hairdresser Ishmael Bundu, both of whom pleaded guilty to sexual penetration and were sentenced to 10 years in prison, including time served. Similarly, 22-year-old building contractor Sulaiman Bangura received an 11-year sentence for conspiracy, shop breaking, and larceny, while 23-year-old Ibrahim Kamara was sentenced to two years for office breaking and larceny.
In other cases, 29-year-old electrician Morlai Kamara was sentenced to eight years for wounding with intent, while Mustapha Dumbuya, 21, and Alusine Kargbo both received sentences of three years and two years, respectively, for housebreaking and larceny.
Emphasizing the judiciary’s progressive approach, 21-year-old scholar Abdul Kargbo was cautioned and discharged for attempted suicide, highlighting the growing recognition of mental health considerations in legal proceedings. Meanwhile, 25-year-old apprentice Morlai Mohamed Conteh was sentenced to time already served for store breaking and larceny, and 28-year-old businessman Mohamed Kamara was discharged of burglary due to lack of prosecution.
These cases, prosecuted by State Counsel Ibrahim Thorlie and defended by Mohamed Korie of the Legal Aid Board, exemplify the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to fairness, due process, and equal access to legal representation.
Under Chief Justice Kamanda’s leadership, the judiciary is setting a new standard for justice delivery—one built on efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity. By bringing High Court sessions directly to the people, the judiciary is not merely passing judgments but is actively restoring faith in the legal system. This wave of reform ensures that justice in Sierra Leone is no longer a privilege for a few but a fundamental right for all.
