Post a comment
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio administered the oath of office to Mrs. Tuma Adama Gento Kamara, officially appointing her as a new member of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission during a ceremony at State House.
Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, the Secretary to the President, explained that Mrs. Gento Kamara’s appointment follows the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which requires that a practicing counsel with at least ten years of experience, nominated by the Sierra Leone Bar Association, be appointed to the Commission.
As part of the official process, Mrs. Gento Kamara took the oath of office in front of the President, marking the start of her new role.
In her remarks, Mrs. Gento Kamara expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and made it clear that she was fully aware of the responsibility she was taking on. “Justice is not merely a system of laws and institutions but a living, breathing force that must be upheld by those who believe in its power. I embrace this appointment not as a title but as a solemn duty, to serve with integrity, fairness, and a firm commitment to truth.”
She also spoke about ensuring justice is available to everyone, adding, “It is within the hallowed chambers of justice that we, as members of this Commission, must ensure that no individual is denied fairness, no soul is left without the promise of equality, and that justice is accessible to all.”
Mrs. Gento Kamara pledged to focus on merit-based judicial appointments, transparent legal processes, and equal access to justice for all, regardless of background.
President Bio congratulated Mrs. Gento Kamara, acknowledging the importance of her new role. He also reminded her that her time in office would be judged by her actions, saying, “The importance of the judiciary and justice cannot be overemphasized. While it may seem abstract to some, it is the foundation that keeps society functioning in an orderly manner. Knowing that one can seek redress in a fair court system is fundamental to our democracy.”
The President also urged members of the judiciary to ensure that justice is served without delay, noting, “You have aptly described what is expected of you, and I trust that you will live by those words. I also take this opportunity to implore members of the judiciary to dispense justice fairly and in a timely manner, as justice delayed is justice denied.”
Mrs. Gento Kamara steps into the position previously held by Madam Michaela B.E. Swallow, who has moved on to become the Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs at Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
With her appointment, Mrs. Gento Kamara is expected to play an important role in ensuring fairness and transparency within Sierra Leone’s judicial system.
