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Ambassador Ebun Abobolan Aforo Esq. was honoured with a prestigious lifetime achievement award, recognizing her as the first Sierra Leonean female lawyer trained in Sierra Leone by the Sierra Leone Bar Association during their annual fundraising dinner on February 7, 2025.
In an exclusive interview with Sierraloaded, Amb. Aforo expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it a reaffirmation of her lifelong dedication to the legal profession.
“It is an honour that reflects my unwavering commitment to justice and excellence,” she said.
Aforo highlighted her journey, noting that she was the first Sierra Leonean female to enroll in the Faculty of Law at Fourah Bay College and later became the only female among seven students called to the Bar on March 15, 1991.
Her career saw her rise to significant positions, including her appointment by former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation—an opportunity she described as a defining moment in her professional journey.
Reflecting on the evolution of the legal field in Sierra Leone, she expressed pride in the increasing prominence of women in the profession.
“I was once the only female trained in Sierra Leone at the Bar, but today, I am proud to witness more women stepping into leadership roles in the legal sector,” she stated.
However, she also voiced concerns over declining professional standards, emphasizing the need for competence, ethics, and the highest standards of practice in the legal field.
“The integrity of the legal profession must be restored,” she urged, advocating for mandatory periodic professional legal training as a requirement for court roll renewal.
In her closing remarks, the learned lawyer reflected on her career, describing it as a journey of challenges, triumphs, and groundbreaking achievements.
“My story is not just one of personal success, but a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” she said.
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Sierra Leone Bar Association for the honor, accepting it with humility and a renewed commitment to justice, integrity, and service.
