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The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) executive is facing increased pressure to comply with a series of court directives requiring greater transparency ahead of its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and executive elections.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Mark Ngegba, on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, ordered the association’s leadership to publish the list of eligible voters and provide audited financial records following a legal challenge brought by Ebunoluwa Tengbeh.
The matter originated from an Originating Summons filed on 10th June 2026 under Sections 185 and 195 of the Companies Act 2009, questioning aspects of the administration of the SLBA’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Tengbeh’s application was filed against the SLBA, members of its national executive, and Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Limited. The executive members named in the case include SLBA President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, Vice President Sidique Tommy, General Secretary Alfred Paul Juwah, Assistant General Secretary Abubakarr Sidique Kamara, Treasurer Sotto Kobba, Assistant Treasurer Yoko Mahiteh Brewah, and Public Relations Officer Alfred Kamanda.
During the hearing, A.S. Lansana Esq represented Tengbeh, while the SLBA executive contested the application through its lawyer, I.F. Sawaneh Esq.
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Ngegba issued five key directives aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the association’s governing documents.
The court ordered the SLBA executive to publish a verified list of all fully paid-up members eligible to participate in the forthcoming AGM. The list must include members who completed payment of registration, subscription, and conference fees, and must be published by 29th July 2026.
The court further ruled that eligibility for participation must be determined solely through original bank payment slips, with only payments made on or before 29th May 2026 accepted as valid.
In addition, members attending the AGM will only be granted access upon presenting verified proof of payment supported by bank slips dated within the approved period, according to the court order.
The court also directed that the election of SLBA executive members must be conducted strictly in line with the association’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Beyond the AGM preparations, Justice Ngegba ordered the SLBA leadership to release audited financial statements and accompanying bank statements covering the period from 1st May 2024 to 1st June 2026. The documents are expected to be made available to Tengbeh and the wider SLBA membership by 30th July 2026.
The ruling comes at a time when professional bodies and associations are facing growing demands for openness and accountability in their internal governance structures.
With the court’s first deadline approaching, the SLBA executive is now expected to demonstrate compliance with the directives as preparations continue for the association’s AGM and leadership elections.
